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What’s On Where <strong>for</strong> families and schools<br />
www.primarytimes.net<br />
North London<br />
Parenting • Education • Days Out • News & Reviews<br />
may half term issue<br />
16 may – 3 july <strong>2016</strong>
Dear Reader<br />
Welcome to the <strong>May</strong> Half Term issue!<br />
With the weather hotting up and <strong>May</strong> half term looming we<br />
are delighted to offer you lots of wonderful activities and<br />
events to keep your children busy over the coming weeks and<br />
during the holiday week. Many of our WOW listings are either<br />
free or very low cost.<br />
<strong>May</strong> half term can be a bit tricky when it comes to keeping the<br />
children busy – particularly <strong>for</strong> working parents who prefer<br />
not to have to take extended time off so close to the summer.<br />
We have lots of good suggestions <strong>for</strong> you, from athletics<br />
courses and activity camps to fun days out.<br />
Our regular Box Office feature offers lots of family favourites<br />
to choose from including half price tickets <strong>for</strong> the kids to see<br />
The Railway Children!<br />
We hope you enjoy this issue and if you have any news to<br />
celebrate, children to praise or school events to include in our<br />
Summer issue, please email marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk by<br />
10th June.<br />
Best wishes,<br />
Marion, Frances, Tina, Sally & Alison<br />
Contents<br />
inside this issue...<br />
Calling all<br />
families<br />
and teachers!<br />
Remember to send in<br />
your news <strong>for</strong> our news<br />
pages – we would love<br />
to hear from you!<br />
Don’t <strong>for</strong>get<br />
to visit us<br />
online at<br />
www.primarytimes.net<br />
/north_london<br />
4 News & Views<br />
5 WOW: What’s on Where<br />
16 Box Office:<br />
Theatre Guide<br />
20 Pinboard<br />
22 Tuition<br />
contents<br />
The Primary Times Team<br />
Editor:<br />
Marion McAdam<br />
marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />
Sales:<br />
Frances Elster<br />
ptnl@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />
Tel: 0207 748 2214<br />
Tina <strong>May</strong>berry<br />
ptnotts@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />
Tel: 01491 411848<br />
Production:<br />
Sally Teasdale<br />
ptproduction@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />
Design:<br />
Alison Spiers Davis<br />
Primary Times in North London,<br />
Schools Publishing Limited,<br />
St James’s House, 118 Greys Road,<br />
Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1QW.<br />
Tel: 01491 411848<br />
Fax: 01491 411416<br />
www.primarytimes.net/north_london<br />
...the UK’s biggest,<br />
free ‘what’s on’<br />
magazine <strong>for</strong> parents!<br />
Primary Times in North<br />
London distributes more<br />
than 45,000 copies<br />
seven times a year, and is<br />
part of a national network<br />
distributing more than 2.7<br />
million copies in 61 regions<br />
across the UK and Ireland.<br />
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in North London. It<br />
aims to in<strong>for</strong>m families and children about current educational issues, <strong>for</strong>thcoming events, courses, attractions and to<br />
give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining<br />
in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also<br />
undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best<br />
interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in North London <strong>for</strong> their assistance in<br />
distributing the magazine and <strong>for</strong> their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who<br />
have supported this publication and there<strong>for</strong>e made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you<br />
can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary<br />
Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over two million copies per issue under<br />
franchise licences throughout Britain.<br />
www.primarytimes.net/north_london | may half term <strong>2016</strong> Primary Times 3
4news<br />
News & Views<br />
Do you have news that might interest other parents or teachers? We’d love to hear about it! Email marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />
Well done Archie!<br />
London Fire Brigade have recruited their<br />
first-ever Young Fire Safety Officer to head<br />
up their specialist PLAYMOBIL firefighter<br />
crew – lucky 7 year old, Archie Cosaitis. A<br />
lifelong fan of the Brigade, the youngster has<br />
helped launch 65 free educational open days<br />
across the capital throughout the Brigade’s<br />
150th anniversary year to teach children<br />
about fire safety in the home, a partnership<br />
between LFB and PLAYMOBIL. To find out<br />
when the next open day near you is going<br />
to be go to http://bit.ly/PLAYMOBIL_<br />
LondonFireBrigade<br />
Archie was inspired by the PLAYMOBIL<br />
firefighter crew’s catchy sing-a-long video<br />
already being used by London Firefighters<br />
and the Brigade’s Education team as part of<br />
their fire prevention outreach work. It shows<br />
children how London Fire Brigade fights<br />
more than just house fires and highlights<br />
how much they do <strong>for</strong> the community.<br />
To watch the video, visit http://bit.ly/<br />
PLAYMOBIL_LondonFireBrigade_Video<br />
Lou Stein is Chickenshed's<br />
new Artistic Director!<br />
Chickenshed is delighted to<br />
announce the appointment of<br />
a new Artistic Director – Lou<br />
Stein. Lou is a wonderful<br />
addition to our already strong<br />
artiistic team and <strong>for</strong> us it is<br />
an extremely ambitious move to welcome<br />
such a <strong>for</strong>ce within theatre to be our very first<br />
selected Artistic Director, especially when you<br />
consider that we have been in operation <strong>for</strong><br />
42 years! Chickenshed's founder, Mary Ward<br />
served as our original Artistic Director. Lou will<br />
be leading the artistic vision and direction of<br />
our company and taking it to the next chapter<br />
of what has been a remarkable journey to<br />
change people’s lives through theatre.<br />
Primary Times may half term <strong>2016</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/north_london<br />
Brentfield Primary School<br />
launches partnership with<br />
Discovery Education<br />
A north London primary school has embarked<br />
on a new initiative to help teachers prepare<br />
pupils <strong>for</strong> tomorrow’s digital challenges.<br />
The 3 year programme will see staff trained<br />
as ‘digital champions’, and receive ongoing<br />
support to increase their confidence and<br />
skills in using technology in the classroom.<br />
Created around specific school needs, and<br />
recognising Brentfield’s high percentage of<br />
pupils with English as an additional language,<br />
the partnership also provides the school<br />
with cutting-edge digital resources, helping<br />
teachers to meet the learning needs of each<br />
individual child.
WOW!<br />
What’s on where...<br />
Ongoing<br />
Daily<br />
Treasures of the British Library<br />
The British Library, NW1 2DB. Exhibition. The<br />
world's most beautiful and influential books and<br />
documents, from Codex Sinaiticus to the Beatles.<br />
Free event.<br />
www.bl.uk<br />
Ice Rink<br />
Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY. Enjoy ice skating<br />
all year round at one of London’s most iconic<br />
landmarks. The Alexandra Palace ice rink provides<br />
a stunning location <strong>for</strong> family ice skating,<br />
professional ice skating lessons, or simply to ice<br />
skate <strong>for</strong> fun. Book online.<br />
www.alexandrapalace.com<br />
Skate Park<br />
Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY. Bring your skateboard<br />
and challenge yourself on the ramps, funboxes<br />
and grinds or go and watch proper skaters at<br />
Ally Pally Skate Park located in the park next to<br />
the ice rink.<br />
www.alexandrapalace.com<br />
Boating Lake<br />
Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY. Take a ride on a<br />
Dragon, be elegant with a Swan or race in a car.<br />
The boating lake at Ally Pally has it all. But make<br />
sure you’re fit enough to race each other by<br />
paddling full steam ahead. Charges apply.<br />
www.alexandrapalace.com<br />
We check listings carefully but details<br />
and prices may be subject to change.<br />
Please always check with the venue.<br />
Make a 3D Face Mug<br />
Art 4 Fun, West Hampstead, NW6 1SD. How about<br />
a mug like your face! Your face will be scanned to<br />
create a fabulous facemug. Charges apply.<br />
www.art4fun.com<br />
4D Theatre<br />
RAF Museum, Colindale, NW9 5LL. If you have<br />
ever wondered how it actually feels to soar<br />
amongst the clouds or participate in an intense<br />
aerial battle wonder no more. You can now<br />
experience all the thrills of a powered flight by<br />
entering the 4D Theatre. Ages 4+.<br />
www.rafmuseum.org.uk<br />
First World War in the Air<br />
RAF Museum, Colindale, NW9 5LL. The compelling<br />
story of the First World War in the Air has been<br />
revealed in a new exhibition in the Claude<br />
Grahame-White Hangar.<br />
www.rafmuseum.org.uk<br />
Judaism: A Living Faith<br />
Jewish Museum, Camden Town, NW1 7NB. An<br />
exhibition of a collection of rare and beautiful<br />
ceremonial art objects. The gallery explores<br />
Jewish religious practice and traditions in the<br />
home and synagogue, using multimedia and<br />
hands-on displays to engage visitors.<br />
www.jewishmuseum.org.uk<br />
Every Mon (Term Time)<br />
Street Dance<br />
Rose Bowl Centre, Islington, N1 2PT. 5.30–<br />
6.30pm. Styles embrace hip hop, funk and more.<br />
Lock, pop and find your beat. Open to both boys<br />
and girls, beginners welcome. Ages 8–12. Free.<br />
www.rosebowlislington.org.uk<br />
Arts & Crafts<br />
Rose Bowl, Centre, Islington, N1 2PT. 4.30–6pm.<br />
Make and create artwork and decorations <strong>for</strong><br />
the new-look Rose Bowl. Make your mark with<br />
painting, sculptures, claywork, sewing, knitting<br />
and photographs. Ages 8–11. Free.<br />
www.rosebowlislington.org.uk<br />
Every Tues<br />
Young Farmers Club<br />
Belmont Farm, Mill Hill, NW7 1QT. 4–5pm. The<br />
club provides the chance <strong>for</strong> children to gain<br />
hands on experience with the animals. Charges<br />
apply. Meet the alpaca or perhaps build an assault<br />
course <strong>for</strong> the bunnies. Ages 6+. Email to sign up.<br />
info@belmontfarm.co.uk<br />
www.belmontfarm.co.uk<br />
Pirate Castle Club<br />
The Pirate Castle, Camden Lock, NW1 7EA.<br />
4.30–6.30pm. Fun and Adventure on the water.<br />
Sessions can include Canoeing, Kayaking, Bell<br />
Boating and land based activities. Charges apply.<br />
Ages 8–17. Visit the <strong>web</strong>site <strong>for</strong> more in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
and book online.<br />
www.thepiratecastle.org<br />
Every Wed<br />
Youth Club<br />
Queen’s Crescent Community Association,<br />
Camden, NW5 4QE. 6.30pm. Enjoy yourself at<br />
this youth club taking place on Wednesdays.<br />
A chance to meet new friends, hang out and<br />
have fun. Ages 8–13.<br />
www.qcca.org.uk<br />
what’s on where<br />
www.primarytimes.net/north_london | may half term <strong>2016</strong> Primary Times 5
what’s on where<br />
6<br />
Primary Times may half term <strong>2016</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/north_london<br />
Every Wed (Term Time only)<br />
Fine Art 4 Kids<br />
Burgh House, Hampstead, NW3 1LT. 4–5pm.<br />
Dedicated to teaching children all aspects of fine<br />
art using the influences and techniques of the<br />
great masters. Each week, your child will learn<br />
how to apply materials and create an image that<br />
will be incorporated into a final piece. Find more<br />
in<strong>for</strong>mation and book online.<br />
www.burghhouse.org.uk<br />
Young Illustrators<br />
Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL.<br />
4–4.45pm: 7–9 years, 5–5.45pm: 9–12 years.<br />
Do you love drawing and stories? Go along to<br />
do exactly this at this illustration workshop <strong>for</strong><br />
budding young artists. Charges apply.<br />
www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk<br />
Every Wed & Sun<br />
Pottery Classes<br />
Hackney City Farm, E2 8QA. 2–4pm Wed,<br />
11am–1pm and 2–4pm on Sun. Children’s pottery<br />
sessions are run on a drop in basis. No need to<br />
book. When you are done why not explore the<br />
farm and meet all the animals? Charges apply.<br />
www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk<br />
Every Thurs<br />
Pirate Castle Club<br />
The Pirate Castle, Camden Lock, NW1 7EA.<br />
4.30–6.30pm. Fun and Adventure on the water.<br />
Sessions can include Canoeing, Kayaking, Bell<br />
Boating and land based activities. Ages 8–17.<br />
Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.thepiratecastle.org<br />
Every Fri<br />
Girls Sports Club<br />
Coram’s Fields, WC1N 1DN. 5–7pm. The club's<br />
aim is to increase the number of young women<br />
playing and enjoying sport and to enhance<br />
their personal and social development. Regular,<br />
competitive matches and tournaments. All<br />
abilities welcome.<br />
Tel: 020 7837 2609<br />
www.coramsfields.org<br />
Every Fri (Term Time only)<br />
Mini Mozart<br />
Burgh House, Hampstead, NW3 1LT. 9.30am. Aims<br />
to introduce babies and toddlers to the different<br />
elements of music – pitch, rhythm, dynamics<br />
and tempo – through fun musical games and<br />
exercises. Book online.<br />
www.burghhouse.org.uk<br />
Every Sat<br />
The Mini Farmers Club<br />
Hackney City Farm, E2 8QA. 10.30am–12.30pm.<br />
A great way to learn about nature, make arts and<br />
crafts and get to know the animals, under the<br />
careful supervision of the livestock worker. Ages<br />
8–12. Free sessions. Book by phone.<br />
Tel: 020 7729 6381<br />
www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk<br />
Saturday Drop In<br />
Rose Bowl, Centre, Islington, N1 2PT. 2–4pm.<br />
Tinker with your bike, try out some photography,<br />
play in the garden and grab a cup of tea and a<br />
chat with the team. Activities are open to all ages.<br />
Children must be accompanied. Free.<br />
www.rosebowlislington.org.uk<br />
Pirate Castle Club<br />
The Pirate Castle, Camden Lock, NW1 7EA.<br />
2–4pm. Fun and Adventure on the water.<br />
Sessions can include Canoeing, Kayaking, Bell<br />
Boating and land based activities. Ages 8–17.<br />
Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.thepiratecastle.org<br />
Kids Kino Club<br />
Regent Street Cinema, W1B 2UW. Escape the<br />
winter chill and enjoy family-friendly films,<br />
including recent releases and old favourites in one<br />
of Britain’s oldest cinemas right in the heart of<br />
London <strong>for</strong> just £1.75. Book online.<br />
www.regentstreetcinema.com<br />
Every Sat & Sun<br />
Pony Rides<br />
Kentish Town City Farm, NW5 4BN. 1.30pm<br />
(Weather permitting). Enjoy a pony ride at the<br />
farm. There are also other animals to visit. Please<br />
call on the day to make sure that pony rides will<br />
definitely take place. Ages 4+. Charges apply.<br />
www.ktcityfarm.org.uk<br />
Every Sun<br />
Farmers Market<br />
Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY. 10am–3pm. North<br />
London’s famous Farmers Market at Ally Pally<br />
takes place most Sundays near Muswell Hill<br />
entrance to the park with free parking. Fantastic<br />
local produce. Lots of fun <strong>for</strong> the whole family.<br />
www.alexandrapalace.com<br />
Family Activities<br />
Bruce Castle Museum, Tottenham, N17 8NU.<br />
2–4pm. Drop-in Sundays; family art and craft<br />
activities. Under 8s must be accompanied<br />
by an adult. No adult admitted without an<br />
accompanying child. Ages 5–13. Free event.<br />
www.haringey.gov.uk<br />
Sunday Family Workshops<br />
Parasol Unit, Islington, N1 7RW. Lots of fun in<br />
these workshops which are linked to the current<br />
exhibitions. There will also be storytelling and<br />
much more. Ages 5–15. Book online.<br />
www.parasol-unit.org<br />
Mon – Fri<br />
Sports Programme<br />
Coram’s Fields, WC1N 1DN. 4–5pm. The sessions<br />
involve learning new and exciting sports skills in a<br />
fun and safe environment. Free event. All abilities<br />
welcome. Ages 6–12.<br />
Tel: 020 7837 2609<br />
www.coramsfields.org<br />
<strong>May</strong><br />
Thurs 19 <strong>May</strong><br />
Time to Foster, Time to Care<br />
Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, N9 0TZ.<br />
10.30am–3pm. Have you thought about fostering<br />
and not sure what to do next? Go along to find<br />
out about the fostering network as part of Foster<br />
Care Fortnight.<br />
Tel: 020 8778 9669<br />
www.fosteringsupportgroup.com<br />
Fri 20 <strong>May</strong><br />
Pedal Up<br />
Lee Valley VeloPark, Queen Elizabeth Olympic<br />
Park, E20 3AB. (Also 27, 29 and 31 <strong>May</strong> and 3 and<br />
5 Jun) Using fun games and activities, this session<br />
teaches children aged 5–7 basic skills <strong>for</strong> all four<br />
cycling disciplines <strong>for</strong> when they’re old enough<br />
and tall enough to try them <strong>for</strong> real. Charges<br />
apply. Book online.<br />
www.visitleevalley.org.uk<br />
Sat 21 <strong>May</strong><br />
Family Activities<br />
Tower Bridge Exhibition, SE1 2UP. 10.30am–4pm.<br />
Join in some fun family activities inside Tower<br />
Bridge Exhibition. All activities are included in the<br />
price of your admission ticket. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.towerbridge.org.uk<br />
Animal I-Spy in the City<br />
Various locations. 10.30am. Join this gentle stroll<br />
through the fascinating streets of the City and<br />
discover where its animals are hiding – dragons,<br />
lions, unicorns and more – see how many you can<br />
find! Meet at Bank Underground Station exit 3 or<br />
4. For more in<strong>for</strong>mation and to book visit <strong>web</strong>site.<br />
www.walklondon.org.uk<br />
Goodnight Mr Tom<br />
Various locations. 10.30am and 2pm. This<br />
family focused walk, inspired by the much loved<br />
children’s book explores the City of London and<br />
hears what life was like in the capital during the<br />
Blitz. Meet outside St Paul’s Underground Station.<br />
Go online <strong>for</strong> more in<strong>for</strong>mation and to book.<br />
www.walklondon.org.uk
What’s the Buzz<br />
Lauriston School Vegetable Garden, Hackney, E9<br />
7JN. 12 noon–5pm. Want to know which flowers<br />
bees love best? Join in <strong>for</strong> a range of art, craft and<br />
gardening workshops inspired by bees and other<br />
pollinators. Part of the Chelsea Fringe.<br />
www.chelseafringe.com<br />
Matilda (PG)<br />
Regent Street Cinema, W1B 2UW. 11.30am. Enjoy<br />
a screening of the story of a girl who happens to<br />
be a genius, and her rather marvellous teacher<br />
versus the worst parents and the worst head<br />
teacher ever! Buy tickets online.<br />
www.regentstreetcinema.com<br />
Free Family Fun Day<br />
Karamel Restaurant, Wood Green, N22 6UJ.<br />
From 12 noon. An entirely free day of family fun.<br />
Storytelling, puppets, learn to hula hoop, make<br />
some art and sing along with Mrs H!<br />
www.haringey.gov.uk<br />
Sat 21 – Sun 22 <strong>May</strong><br />
TFL Spring into Summer Walks<br />
Various locations. This year there will be 45<br />
fantastic free led walks around London. Go online<br />
to book your place on a walk.<br />
www.walklondon.org.uk<br />
Sun 22 <strong>May</strong><br />
A Walk in the Park<br />
Victoria Park, E3 5TB. 2–3.30pm. Discover the<br />
stories, people and hidden history of Victoria Park<br />
on a walk with author and cultural commentator<br />
Travis Elborough. Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7364 7968<br />
www.towerhamlets.gov.uk<br />
Unique Unicorns<br />
Bruce Castle Museum, Tottenham, N17 8NU.<br />
2–4pm. See the mystery object, find out how it<br />
led to the myth of the unicorn and make your own<br />
unicorn mask. Ages 5–13. Free, drop in event.<br />
www.haringey.gov.uk<br />
RSPCA Big Walkies<br />
Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, N22 7AY.<br />
9am–3pm. Choose a 3k or 5k walk, sniff out the<br />
fun in the lively event village, get sponsored as a<br />
team and even meet some dogs who are looking<br />
<strong>for</strong> new homes. Register online.<br />
www.alexandrapalace.com<br />
Make & Do<br />
Camden Arts Centre, NW3 6DG. 2–4.30pm. Drop<br />
in to the Drawing Studio and Galleries to take part<br />
in creative and fun activities led by artists Betsy<br />
Dadd and Sam Winston. For all ages, materials are<br />
provided. Free, but donations are invited.<br />
www.camdenartscentre.org<br />
Open Day<br />
Hornsey Fire Station, N8 8LS. 12 noon–4pm. Open<br />
Days feature a variety of family friendly events<br />
while promoting fire safety messages to local<br />
residents, with the chance to look around the<br />
station and check out the equipment.<br />
www.london-fire.gov.uk<br />
Lag B’Omer<br />
JW3, Finchley Road, NWQ3 6ET. 2pm. PJ Library<br />
brings the story of Lag B’Omer to life, along with<br />
yummy marshmallows and campfire collages!<br />
Ages 2+. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.jw3.org.uk<br />
Beyond Blueprints<br />
Parasol Unit, Islington, N1 7RW. 2.30–4pm.<br />
Join artist Lala Thorpe in this family workshop<br />
exploring the science of early photography and<br />
thinking about the 'magic of the surface'. Ages<br />
5+. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.parasol-unit.org<br />
Gillespie Celebration Event<br />
Islington Ecology Centre, N5 1PH. 12 noon–4pm.<br />
Celebrate 20 years of Gillespie as a nature reserve<br />
with music, children’s activities, café, stalls, walks<br />
and more. Event taking place at the Ecology<br />
Centre and Gillespie Park. Free.<br />
www.islington.gov.uk<br />
Beatles Sing-along<br />
JW3, Finchley Road, NWQ3 6ET. 2pm. Join Al’s<br />
Little Singers in this interactive Beatles-themed<br />
sing-along under the (imaginary) stars, next to<br />
the (imaginary) campfire. They provide the words<br />
and the instruments! Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.jw3.org.uk<br />
Wed 25 <strong>May</strong><br />
Puppet Tales<br />
JW3, Finchley Road, NWQ3 6ET. 4.15pm. Children<br />
love puppets and the enchanting worlds they<br />
take us to. Join in <strong>for</strong> stories, fun and specially<br />
designed handmade puppets being brought to<br />
life. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.jw3.org.uk<br />
Children’s Craft & Storytime<br />
Alexandra Park Library, Wood Green, N22 7UJ.<br />
10–11am. Join in the fun, listen to a story and do<br />
a little craft activity. Under 5s. Free.<br />
www.haringey.gov.uk<br />
Thurs 26 <strong>May</strong> – Sun 5 Jun<br />
London Tree Week<br />
Various locations. Celebrate and explore London’s<br />
trees and woodlands with a series of special<br />
events. There will be tree walks and talks,<br />
exhibitions, and family activities. Go online <strong>for</strong><br />
more in<strong>for</strong>mation and to view the full programme<br />
of events.<br />
www.london.gov.uk<br />
Sat 28 <strong>May</strong><br />
Posters <strong>for</strong> the Lost<br />
The Foundling Museum, WC1N 0EB.<br />
10.30–11.30am, 12 noon–1pm, 2–3pm and<br />
3.30–4.30pm. Join artist Daniel Lehan <strong>for</strong> this<br />
art-based family workshop and make a ‘lost’<br />
poster <strong>for</strong> a found object from the exhibition<br />
Found. Ages 5+. Sign up on the day.<br />
www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk<br />
Make your Mark<br />
on Vicky Park<br />
Victoria Park, E3 5TB. 11am–1pm. Join the<br />
Community Park Rangers to help carry out some<br />
practical conservation in the park. Meet at the<br />
Outdoor Classroom, near St Agnes Gate.<br />
www.towerhamlets.gov.uk<br />
Fantastic Mr Fox (PG)<br />
Regent Street Cinema, W1B 2UW. 11.30am. Enjoy<br />
a screening of this fun, high energy animated tale<br />
of a fox family headed by Mr Fox (George Clooney)<br />
versus the wicked farmers. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.regentstreetcinema.com<br />
Farm Tour<br />
Stepney City Farm, E1 3DG. 12 noon. Led by Super<br />
Farmers Gordon or Kevin, the tour covers history,<br />
current projects, future plans and allows you to<br />
get really close to the animals. Charges apply.<br />
www.stepneycityfarm.org<br />
Creature Creations<br />
Grant Museum of Zoology, WC1E 6DE. 1.30–4pm.<br />
Create works of art inspired by some of the<br />
weird and wonderful animals that call the Grant<br />
Museum home or invent your very own brand<br />
new animal, give it a name and add it to the<br />
collection in this family art day with our Museum<br />
artist. Free.<br />
www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology<br />
Letterpress Printing<br />
with Olu Oke<br />
House of Illustration, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH.<br />
2–5pm. Learn the art of letterpress and produce<br />
your own edition of prints with printmaker and<br />
illustrator Olu Oke. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.houseofillustration.org.uk<br />
Open Day<br />
Kentish Town Fire Station, NW5 1NS.<br />
12 noon–4pm. Open Days feature a variety of<br />
family friendly events while promoting fire safety<br />
messages to local residents. People will also have<br />
the chance to look around the station and check<br />
out the equipment used by Brigade firefighters.<br />
www.london-fire.gov.uk<br />
what’s on where<br />
www.primarytimes.net/north_london | may half term <strong>2016</strong> Primary Times 7
what’s on where<br />
Tales Big Day Out<br />
Chickenshed, Southgate, N14 4PE.<br />
10am–12 noon and 2.30–4.30pm. Children<br />
will have the opportunity to take part in a<br />
great interactive workshop and watch a fun<br />
per<strong>for</strong>mance of Tales from the Shed, then<br />
everyone will come together <strong>for</strong> a huge Tales<br />
extravaganza outside in the amphitheatre. Under<br />
6s. Charges apply. Book tickets online.<br />
www.chickenshed.org.uk<br />
Menuhin’s Magical<br />
Musical Journey<br />
Royal Academy of Music, NW1 5HT. 10am and<br />
11.30am. Join workshop leader Neil Valentine to<br />
follow the journeys of superstar violinist Yehudi<br />
Menuhin and his musical friends. Then explore<br />
classical, jazz, Indian and folk music and compose<br />
and per<strong>for</strong>m your own exciting mash-up. Ages<br />
5–7. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.ram.ac.uk<br />
5K Race<br />
Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR. 11am. Take part in a<br />
Race <strong>for</strong> Life 5k event – an achievable distance <strong>for</strong><br />
all ages and abilities. You can run, walk or even<br />
dance! Go online to sign up.<br />
http://race<strong>for</strong>life.cancerresearchuk.org<br />
Sat 28 – Sun 29 <strong>May</strong><br />
Street Food & Craft Beer Festival<br />
Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, N22 7AY.<br />
11am–10pm. Sample some of London’s top street<br />
food vendors and craft beers. Enjoy live music all<br />
day and plenty of fun <strong>for</strong> all the family.<br />
www.alexandrapalace.com<br />
‘Grow Your Own’ Weekend<br />
Stepney City Farm, E1 3DG. 12 noon–3pm.<br />
Celebrate the joys of growing your own, learn the<br />
best ways to grow food organically, and plant<br />
some veggies at the farm! Donations welcome.<br />
www.stepneycityfarm.org<br />
London 2 Brighton Challenge<br />
Various locations. Join the London Air Ambulance<br />
team <strong>for</strong> this challenging but achievable and<br />
highly rewarding ultra-challenge. There will<br />
be free hot food, snacks and drinks at covered<br />
rest stops and a medal, t-shirt and a celebration<br />
glass of bubbly as you cross the finish line. Sign<br />
up online.<br />
www.londonsairambulance.co.uk<br />
Sat 28 – Mon 30 <strong>May</strong><br />
British Cactus & Succulent Society<br />
Lea Valley Annual Show<br />
Capel Manor Gardens, EN1 4RQ. During this<br />
three-day event the British Cactus and Succulent<br />
Society will be judging and awarding prizes to<br />
its members and you will have the opportunity<br />
to: enjoy a display of more than 200 cacti and<br />
succulent plants and purchase a wide-range that<br />
are not usually available. Charges apply.<br />
www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk<br />
Sat 28 <strong>May</strong> – Sun 5 Jun<br />
Spring Special<br />
Willows Activity Farm, St Albans, AL4 0PF. Enjoy<br />
Sheep Shearing, Sheep Racing and acres of<br />
springtime fun this Half Term. Charges apply. For<br />
more in<strong>for</strong>mation and to view the full programme<br />
of events visit <strong>web</strong>site.<br />
www.willowsactivityfarm.com<br />
Mannings Family Fun Fair<br />
Finsbury Park, Haringay, N4 1EE. 12 noon–9pm.<br />
Take along the whole family and immerse<br />
yourselves in the exciting atmosphere, watch<br />
your children experience the sights and sounds<br />
and soak up all the fun of the fair. Free entry.<br />
www.haringey.gov.uk<br />
Madagascar Madness<br />
Shrek’s Adventure London, County Hall, SE1<br />
7PB. This Half Term Madagascar madness will be<br />
arriving as the travelling circus comes to town.<br />
Guests are invited to try out their circus skills and<br />
‘move it, move it’ with the DreamWorks gang.<br />
Visit <strong>web</strong>site to buy tickets.<br />
www.shreksadventure.com<br />
Go Canoeing Week<br />
Lee Valley White Water Centre, Waltham Cross,<br />
EN9 1AB. Try an hour long taster session <strong>for</strong><br />
families <strong>for</strong> just £5 per person, on the crystal<br />
clear lake. Ages 8+. On Thurs 2 June there is also a<br />
canoe competition day. Go online to book.<br />
www.gowhitewater.co.uk<br />
Sheep Week<br />
Lee Valley Park Farms, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EF.<br />
10am–5pm. Join in this <strong>May</strong> Half Term to see<br />
some woolly friends get their annual haircut and<br />
get stuck in with some sheep themed arts, crafts<br />
and activities. Admission charges apply. Visit<br />
<strong>web</strong>site to book tickets.<br />
www.visitleevalley.org.uk<br />
Sun 29 <strong>May</strong><br />
Kenwood Stories<br />
Kenwood House, Hampstead, NW3 7JR. 12.30pm,<br />
2pm and 3pm. The art collections and stories of<br />
Kenwood come alive through narrative and live<br />
interpretation as told by Kenwood volunteers.<br />
Free <strong>for</strong> English Heritage members.<br />
www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood<br />
Wondrous Wizardry<br />
JW3, Finchley Road, NWQ3 6ET. 2pm. Go down<br />
to JW3 in your house tie, cloak and glasses and<br />
expect to see wands, goblets and of course, lots of<br />
spells. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.jw3.org.uk<br />
Ghost Stories<br />
Handel House Museum, <strong>May</strong>fair, W1K 4HB. 2pm.<br />
Ghostly figures of the past will guide family<br />
groups around Hendrix Flat and Handel House<br />
with stories, music and games. Charges apply.<br />
Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7399 1953<br />
www.handelhendrix.org<br />
Foraging Walk<br />
Islington Ecology Centre, N5 1PH. 2–4pm. Take<br />
a wild food walk through Gillespie Park with the<br />
urban <strong>for</strong>ager, spotting edible and medicinal<br />
species on the way. Free.<br />
www.islington.gov.uk<br />
National Gardens Scheme<br />
King Henry’s Walk Garden, N1 4NX. 2–5.30pm.<br />
The gardens will be open as part of the National<br />
Gardens Scheme today. Tea, home-made cakes<br />
and plants will be <strong>for</strong> sale. Entry fee applies <strong>for</strong><br />
adults, children free. All profits will go to charity.<br />
www.khwgarden.org.uk<br />
Make & Do<br />
Camden Arts Centre, NW3 6DG. 2–4.30pm. Drop<br />
in to the Drawing Studio and Galleries to take part<br />
in creative and fun activities led by artists Betsy<br />
Dadd and Sam Winston. Suitable <strong>for</strong> all ages<br />
and materials are provided. Free of charge, but<br />
donations are invited.<br />
www.camdenartscentre.org<br />
Summer Splash<br />
Lee Valley White Water Centre, Waltham Cross,<br />
EN9 1AB. 11am–4pm. A day of action packed<br />
activities and entertainment <strong>for</strong> little kids and big<br />
kids alike. Activities will include: a treasure hunt,<br />
canoeing, disc golf, face painting and lots more.<br />
Free. Booking required <strong>for</strong> some activities.<br />
www.visitleevalley.org.uk<br />
Memoryscape History Walk<br />
Victoria Park, E3 5TB. 10am–12.30pm. Join the<br />
Community Park Rangers on a recorded audio<br />
trail around the park. Limited spaces available.<br />
Meet at the Pavilion Café. Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7364 7968<br />
www.towerhamlets.gov.uk<br />
Mon 30 <strong>May</strong><br />
Fenton’s Big Picnic<br />
Fenton House and Garden, Hampstead Grove,<br />
NW3 6SP. 11am–5pm. Celebrate The Year of the<br />
English Garden on this Bank Holiday Monday, take<br />
a picnic and while away some time in Fenton's<br />
beguiling walled gardens and 300 year-old<br />
orchard. Charges apply.<br />
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fenton-house<br />
See Paw Patrol<br />
The Broadwalk Centre, Edgware, HA8 7BD. 12<br />
noon–4.30pm. Children are invited to see these<br />
heroic puppies who will be making appearances<br />
during story time sessions at 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm,<br />
3pm and 4pm. After listening to engaging stories<br />
of Chase and Marshall’s adventures, youngsters<br />
will have the opportunity to meet the characters!<br />
www.thebroadwalkcentre.co.uk<br />
Wildlife Gardening <strong>for</strong> Kids<br />
Woodberry Wetlands, N16 5HQ. 10am–12.30pm.<br />
During the session, our wildlife gardening experts<br />
will encourage children to explore and learn<br />
about the varieties of animals, insects and plants<br />
making their homes at Woodberry Wetlands.<br />
Ages 5–11. Charges apply. Go online to book.<br />
www.woodberrywetlands.org.uk<br />
50 Things to do Be<strong>for</strong>e You’re 11¾<br />
Sutton House, Hackney, E9 6JQ. (Also 1–5 Jun)<br />
12 noon–5pm. Construct a den out of fabric,<br />
sticks and pegs and tell stories inside it, host a<br />
tea party, build a sand castle fit <strong>for</strong> a king and<br />
challenge your family to a skip-off, or a hula hoop<br />
competition and more. Admission charges apply.<br />
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-house<br />
Design a Beano Cover<br />
The Cartoon Museum, WC1A 2HH. 11am–1pm.<br />
Using special worksheets, draw a Beano front<br />
cover featuring some favourite Beano characters.<br />
Ages 8–12. Charges apply. Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7580 8155<br />
www.cartoonmuseum.org<br />
Mini Comic<br />
The Cartoon Museum, WC1A 2HH. 2–4pm.<br />
Everyone will love the 8-page mini-comic you'll<br />
create featuring your own characters and story,<br />
suitable <strong>for</strong> printing when you take it home. Ages<br />
8-12. Charges apply. Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7580 8155<br />
www.cartoonmuseum.org<br />
Mon 30 <strong>May</strong> – Fri 3 Jun<br />
Moving Museum<br />
V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2<br />
9PA. 11am–4pm. Wind-up robots, toy cars and<br />
string puppets... the Museum is jumping with<br />
moving toys. Take a closer look at some of these<br />
intriguing objects with practising artists and<br />
makers. Drop in event <strong>for</strong> all ages.<br />
www.vam.ac.uk/moc<br />
Crazy Jumping Jacks Workshop<br />
V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2<br />
9PA. 10.30am, 12noon, 2pm and 3.30pm. Artist<br />
Laura X Carle will help you turn your fantasy<br />
creature into a classic children’s moving toy – the<br />
jointed jumping jack! Ages 4-10. Charges apply.<br />
Book online.<br />
www.vam.ac.uk/moc<br />
Contemporary Portraits<br />
National Portrait Gallery, WC2H 0HE. 11am–4pm.<br />
A week of activities exploring how artists today<br />
find inspiration and what is means to be an artist<br />
in the twenty first century. During the week there<br />
will be workshops with featured artists. Check<br />
signage on the day <strong>for</strong> more details.<br />
www.npg.org.uk<br />
Mon 30 <strong>May</strong> – Sun 5 Jun<br />
Kids Go Free<br />
The View from The Shard, SE1 9SG. Enjoy an<br />
un<strong>for</strong>gettable experience this Half Term. Children<br />
can play the ‘Spot the Sights’ game to be in <strong>for</strong><br />
the chance to win a Romeo the Fox goody bag.<br />
Charges apply – each paying adult will receive<br />
two free child tickets. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.theviewfromtheshard.com<br />
Tues 31 <strong>May</strong><br />
Academy Tots<br />
Royal Academy of Music, NW1 5HT. 10am.<br />
Inquisitive tots and parents are invited <strong>for</strong> this<br />
interactive session designed <strong>for</strong> children aged<br />
3–5. Taking place in the Museum Piano Gallery.<br />
Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.ram.ac.uk<br />
Canoeing<br />
Victoria Park, E3 5TB. 12 noon–3pm. Try canoeing<br />
on the model boating lake. Coaching available –<br />
booking strongly advised. Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7364 7968<br />
www.towerhamlets.gov.uk<br />
Extendables<br />
The Foundling Museum, WC1N 0EB.<br />
10.30–11.30am, 12 noon–1pm, 2–3pm and<br />
3.30–4.30pm.Using card and craft tools, build an<br />
extendable 3D version of your favourite painting<br />
that you can pull out or flatten. Ages 5+. Sign up<br />
on the day to reserve a place.<br />
www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk<br />
Superheroes vs Supervillains<br />
The Cartoon Museum, WC1A 2HH. 2–4pm. Get<br />
tips <strong>for</strong> creating your own mighty heroes and<br />
deadly villains, and then draw them in mortal<br />
combat. Ages 8–12. Charges apply. Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7580 8155<br />
www.cartoonmuseum.org<br />
VeloBalance<br />
Lee Valley VeloPark, Queen Elizabeth Olympic<br />
Park, E20 3AB. (Also 3–4 and 11 Jun) Younger<br />
children can learn to ride a bike in the iconic<br />
velodrome using balancing and coordination<br />
techniques on special balance bikes which are<br />
powered by their feet. Ages 2–5. Book online.<br />
www.visitleevalley.org.uk<br />
Bugs under the Rug<br />
The Geffrye Museum, E2 8EA. 10.30am–12.30pm<br />
and 2–4pm. Make brilliant bugs using coloured<br />
clay and then create a home <strong>for</strong> them to live in.<br />
Ages 5+. Places are allocated on a first-come firstserved<br />
basis 30 minutes be<strong>for</strong>e each activity.<br />
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
Tea Party Time<br />
The Geffrye Museum, E2 8EA. 2–4pm. Make<br />
herbal teas and then create an old-fashioned<br />
style film about tea parties in the home. Ages<br />
5–8. Places are allocated on a first-come firstserved<br />
basis 30 minutes be<strong>for</strong>e each activity.<br />
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
Terrific Tea Towels<br />
The Geffrye Museum, E2 8EA. 2–4pm. Print a<br />
colourful tea towel to brighten up your home.<br />
Ages 8+. Places are allocated on a first-come firstserved<br />
basis 30 minutes be<strong>for</strong>e each activity.<br />
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
Tues 31 <strong>May</strong> – Wed 1 Jun<br />
Spring Quest & Craft<br />
Kenwood House, Hampstead, NW3 7JR. 12<br />
noon–4pm. Families will get to work together to<br />
try out different art and crafts whilst exploring<br />
the house and finding out more about its<br />
collections. Charges apply.<br />
www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood<br />
Tues 31 <strong>May</strong> – Thurs 2 Jun<br />
Star Track<br />
Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Edmonton, N9 0AR.<br />
2.30–5pm. This holiday camp offers budding<br />
athletes of 6–8 years expert tuition in a range<br />
of athletics skills, such as hurdles, high jumps,<br />
sprints and javelin. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.visitleevalley.org.uk<br />
Tues 31 <strong>May</strong> – Fri 3 Jun<br />
Wizarding Week Half Term Scheme<br />
JW3, Finchley Road, NWQ3 6ET. 10am. Join in <strong>for</strong> a<br />
week of wizardly wonder as you will learn to cast<br />
enchanting spells, practise your wand skills and<br />
race around the halls on your broomstick. Ages<br />
5–7 and 8–11. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.jw3.org.uk<br />
Gods & Gorgons<br />
Islington Arts Factory, N7 0SF. 11am–3pm. Refine<br />
your skills as you create a large group painting<br />
inspired by the Greek Myths of antiquity. The final<br />
piece will be displayed at the MakeArt exhibition<br />
in December. Charges apply. Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7607 0561<br />
www.islingtonartsfactory.org<br />
8<br />
Primary Times may half term <strong>2016</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/north_london
www.primarytimes.net/north_london | may half term <strong>2016</strong> Primary Times 9<br />
what’s on where
what’s on where<br />
Picture Perfect<br />
Bank of England Museum, EC2R 8AH.<br />
10.30am–4.30pm. Become the face of a current<br />
banknote and capture this moment by having<br />
your photograph taken. You can then join a<br />
creative workshop and make your own ‘Funky<br />
photo frame’. Free admission.<br />
www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum<br />
Many Hands<br />
The Geffrye Museum, E2 8EA. 10.30am–12.30pm<br />
and 2–4pm. Inspired by the jobs done by families<br />
and servants in the home through the centuries,<br />
make natural cleaning products, bake seasonal<br />
biscuits and plant seeds. Ages 5+. Free.<br />
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
BMX Thrills<br />
& Mountain Bike Skills<br />
Lee Valley VeloPark, Queen Elizabeth Olympic<br />
Park, E20 3AB. 10am–3pm. Professional coaches<br />
will help young riders build confidence, develop<br />
valuable manoeuvring skills and improve on their<br />
techniques. Ages 7–16 who are able to ride a two<br />
wheeled bike. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.visitleevalley.org.uk<br />
Star Track<br />
Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Edmonton, N9 0AR.<br />
9.30am–1.30pm. This holiday camp offers<br />
budding athletes of 8–12 expert tuition in a range<br />
of athletics skills, such as hurdles, high jumps,<br />
sprints and javelin. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.visitleevalley.org.uk<br />
Tues 31 <strong>May</strong> – Sat 4 Jun<br />
Hungry Hungry Herbivores<br />
Grant Museum of Zoology, WC1E 6DE. 1–4.30pm.<br />
From dugongs to hippos and camels to snails join<br />
in the fun this Half Term holiday and investigate<br />
huge herbivores and marvellous munchers. Free.<br />
www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology<br />
Tues 31 <strong>May</strong> – Sun 5 Jun<br />
Puppets Gone Wild Workshop<br />
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, NW1 4NU.<br />
Discover how Gyre & Gimble, the team behind<br />
Running Wild’s puppetry, created such lifelike<br />
animal characters in this hands-on workshop <strong>for</strong><br />
families. Ages 8+. Charges apply. Go online <strong>for</strong><br />
times, more in<strong>for</strong>mation and to book tickets.<br />
www.openairtheatre.com<br />
June<br />
Wed 1 Jun<br />
Wild Adventure Club<br />
Woodberry Wetlands, N16 5HQ. 10am–12.30pm.<br />
Wild Adventure Club gives your child a chance<br />
to learn about nature and explore the great<br />
outdoors in a safe environment at Woodberry<br />
Wetlands. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.woodberrywetlands.org.uk<br />
Words in Freedom<br />
Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art,<br />
Islington, N1 2AN. 11am–2pm. Play with your<br />
senses and respond to paintings with sounds<br />
and words then trans<strong>for</strong>m them into hanging<br />
mobile poems to take away. Free <strong>for</strong> children<br />
accompanied by a paying adult.<br />
www.estorickcollection.com<br />
Children’s Craft & Storytime<br />
Alexandra Park Library, Wood Green, N22 7UJ.<br />
10–11am. Join in the fun, listen to a story and do<br />
a little craft activity. Under 5s. Free.<br />
www.haringey.gov.uk<br />
Make a Puppet Theatre<br />
The Wallace Collection, Manchester Square, W1U<br />
3BN. 11am–1pm. The Commedia dell’arte was a<br />
popular <strong>for</strong>m of theatre in 18th century France.<br />
Learn more about it be<strong>for</strong>e making your own<br />
puppet theatre populated with well know figures<br />
such as Harlequinn and Pierrot. Ages 5+. Free,<br />
drop in event.<br />
www.wallacecollection.org<br />
Pond Dipping<br />
Islington Ecology Centre, N5 1PH. 2–3pm. Drop in<br />
and see what you can find in the pond. Free.<br />
www.islington.gov.uk<br />
Waterways on the Move<br />
London Canal Museum, King’s Cross, N1 9RT.<br />
10.30am and 1.30pm. Activities will include<br />
making balloon boats, flapping ducks, selfpropelled<br />
boats, pan scourer boats and going on a<br />
boat trip. Ages 6-12. Charges apply.<br />
www.canalmuseum.org.uk<br />
Fantastic Food Pots<br />
The Geffrye Museum, E2 8EA. 10.30am–12.30pm<br />
and 2–4pm. Model a fabulous fruit or vegetableshaped<br />
pot from clay. Ages 5+. Places are<br />
allocated on a first-come first-served basis 30<br />
minutes prior to the beginning of each activity.<br />
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
Fishing Taster Day<br />
Victoria Park, E3 5TB. 12 noon–3pm. For all the<br />
budding anglers out there, join the Community<br />
Park Rangers to see what fish you can catch on<br />
the day. You’ll be hooked! Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7364 7968<br />
www.towerhamlets.gov.uk<br />
Anamorphic Art<br />
Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. 10.30am–12.30pm<br />
ages 7–11, 1.30–3.30pm ages 12–14. In this<br />
Family Masterclass with Alan Davies, explore the<br />
mathematics of making these trans<strong>for</strong>mations<br />
and have a go at producing your own anamorphic<br />
art. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.rigb.org<br />
Crazy Claymation<br />
Animation Workshop<br />
The Cartoon Museum, WC1A 2HH. 11am–3.30pm.<br />
Spend the day with professional animator Reza<br />
Ben Gajra and create a short film using characters<br />
made from modelling clay. You can watch the<br />
results later on YouTube. Ages 8–12. Charges<br />
apply. Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7580 8155<br />
www.cartoonmuseum.org<br />
Tools of the Trade<br />
The Geffrye Museum, E2 8EA. 2–4pm. Make cool<br />
cleaning-inspired badges, jewellery and key rings<br />
using coloured clay. Ages 8+. Places are allocated<br />
on a first-come first-served basis 30 minutes prior<br />
to the beginning of each activity.<br />
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
Wed 1 – Thurs 30 Jun<br />
The Word Festival <strong>2016</strong><br />
Various locations in Islington. Enjoy an innovative<br />
programme of activities, events and workshops<br />
focusing on and exploring the pleasure of<br />
reading, writing and freedom of expression in<br />
Islington. Go online <strong>for</strong> full programme of events.<br />
www.wordfestivalislington.co.uk<br />
Wed 1 Jun – Mon 31 Oct<br />
London Bridge City<br />
Summer Festival<br />
Various locations. Enjoy live music, theatre<br />
per<strong>for</strong>mances, dance/fitness classes and<br />
interactive arts and entertainment <strong>for</strong> everyone.<br />
See <strong>web</strong>site <strong>for</strong> more in<strong>for</strong>mation and to view the<br />
full programme.<br />
www.morelondon.com<br />
Thurs 2 Jun<br />
Beatrix Potter’s Birthday Party<br />
Forty Hall & Estate, Enfield, EN2 9HA. 11am–4pm.<br />
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of<br />
Beatrix Potter with a look at her work and life.<br />
Enjoy her stories, create your own hedgehog out<br />
of natural materials and meet characters from her<br />
world. Ages 4–11. Book online.<br />
www.<strong>for</strong>tyhallestate.co.uk<br />
Colour & Word Tricks<br />
Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art,<br />
Islington, N1 2AN. 11am–2pm. Explore a variety<br />
of optical colour and word tricks and make your<br />
own using collage and drawing. Free <strong>for</strong> children<br />
accompanied by a paying adult.<br />
www.estorickcollection.com<br />
Snot, Sick & Scabs<br />
RCS Hunterian Museum, WC2A 3PE. 11am,<br />
12.30pm and 2pm. Discover the world of cells,<br />
bacteria and viruses and maybe even make some<br />
fake snot. Ages 7–14. Charges apply. Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7869 6568<br />
www.rcseng.ac.uk/museums/hunterian<br />
Amphibian Discovery Day<br />
Victoria Park, E3 5TB. 12 noon–3pm. Join an<br />
expert amphibian hunt, plus arts, crafts and face<br />
painting. Just drop in at the Hub Building.<br />
www.towerhamlets.gov.uk<br />
Gorgeous Garden Boxes<br />
The Geffrye Museum, E2 8EA. 10.30am–12.30pm<br />
and 2–4pm. Create a marvellous mini garden in a<br />
box using recycled containers, colourful card and<br />
more. Ages 5+. Places are first-come first-served,<br />
allocated 30 minutes be<strong>for</strong>e each activity.<br />
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
RNIB Family Day<br />
Wigmore Hall, W1U 2BP. 11am. Create your own<br />
piece of music and tactile score, inspired by art<br />
at The Wallace Collection. For blind and partially<br />
sighted children aged 6–12 years. Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7391 2063<br />
www.wigmore-hall.org.uk<br />
Animated Heroes Workshop<br />
The Cartoon Museum, WC1A 2HH. 11am–3.30pm.<br />
Design your own superheroes and then use cutout<br />
animation techniques to show them using<br />
their wacky powers in a short film that you’ll see<br />
later on the Museum’s YouTube channel. Ages<br />
8–12. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.cartoonmuseum.org<br />
Bug Buster!<br />
The Geffrye Museum, E2 8EA. 2–4pm. Make a<br />
herbal product to get rid of bugs at home and<br />
then film your own advert to sell it. Ages 5–8.<br />
Places are first-come first-served, allocated 30<br />
minutes be<strong>for</strong>e each activity.<br />
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
Summer of Fun<br />
in North London<br />
With children in their last term<br />
be<strong>for</strong>e the long summer holiday,<br />
understandably parents are starting<br />
to think about how to keep them<br />
entertained over the break. With the<br />
unpredictable Great British weather,<br />
it is really important to think about<br />
what you can do with them indoors<br />
to avoid the dreaded words:<br />
“I’m bored!”<br />
Per<strong>for</strong>ming arts is a natural way <strong>for</strong> children to learn while they are having<br />
fun and Razzamataz is offering children between the ages of 5-16 the<br />
opportunity to use their imaginations and work with experienced actors,<br />
musicians and dancers during their Summer school.<br />
During the week, children and their teachers will work on various songs,<br />
dances and drama pieces, together with learning about theatre skills in<br />
general. Being given the chance to per<strong>for</strong>m is paramount to building a<br />
child’s confidence which is why on the last day, the children will all get the<br />
opportunity to per<strong>for</strong>m their showcase to friends and families.<br />
“We take a simple story framework on day one and devise and invent<br />
characters, dialogue and scenes throughout the week,” says Michael. “On the<br />
last day we create an original theatrical experience that is conjured up from<br />
the students’ and teachers’ imaginations. Audiences and per<strong>for</strong>mers will<br />
remember this experience long after the summer has faded.”<br />
To find out more in<strong>for</strong>mation about the Summer school or term-time<br />
Saturday classes, please contact Principal Michael (Barnet) on barnet@<br />
razzamataz.co.uk or call 07788592171 or Principal Frances (Hampstead &<br />
Kentish Town) on hampstead@razzamataz.co.uk or call 07875331254.<br />
10<br />
Primary Times may half term <strong>2016</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/north_london
what’s on where<br />
Danny Grant<br />
Soccer School<br />
is delighted to announce exciting<br />
action-packed Summer Holiday Football<br />
Courses <strong>for</strong> boys and girls aged 3 to 12<br />
at UCL Academy, Swiss Cottage.<br />
Non-stop football fun, skills training<br />
and daily matches. Professional<br />
FA Coaches lead all action sessions.<br />
To reserve a place call 020 8446 0891<br />
www.dgsoccer.co.uk.<br />
www.primarytimes.net/north_london | may half term <strong>2016</strong> Primary Times 11
what’s on where<br />
Love Your Clothes<br />
by Knowing Your<br />
Care Labels #InsideOut<br />
Discovering your clothes have shrunk in the wash is something we<br />
can all relate to. According to the Love Your Clothes campaign, 31%<br />
of us are no longer wearing clothes from our wardrobes because we’ve<br />
washed, dried or ironed them incorrectly. In fact, 39 million items<br />
of clothes have not been worn in the past year because we’ve not<br />
followed the care label.<br />
Only 9% of UK adults can identify more than half of the 25<br />
common care symbols that regularly appear on the labels in our<br />
clothes. To help people get to know their labels, Love Your Clothes has<br />
teamed up with leading fabric care brand Ariel. Test what you know<br />
by visiting www.loveyourclothes.org.uk/care-labels and taking their<br />
quick three minute challenge. You can also download a FREE arty<br />
care labels guide poster to frame and hang in your laundry room.<br />
While the symbols on care labels might look like secret coding, they’re<br />
actually the key to making our clothes last longer. Following them<br />
prevents clothes from being thrown away and potentially heading to<br />
landfill. Love Your Clothes encourages us all to change the way we<br />
buy, care <strong>for</strong> and dispose of our clothing to help reduce the impact of<br />
clothing on the environment.<br />
Visit www.loveyourclothes.org.uk <strong>for</strong> tips and advice on how to get<br />
the best out of your clothes.<br />
Mini Herb Gardens<br />
The Geffrye Museum, E2 8EA. 2–4pm. Paint a pot<br />
and then plant seeds <strong>for</strong> spring. Ages 8+. Places<br />
are allocated on a first-come first-served basis 30<br />
minutes prior to the beginning of each activity.<br />
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
Thurs 2 – Fri 3 Jun<br />
Jurassic Dinosaur Camp<br />
Mini Engineers, St John’s Wood Church, NW8<br />
7NE. 9.30am–12.30pm and 1.15–4.15pm. Your<br />
children will travel back in time 200 million years<br />
and build different dinosaur species from the<br />
Jurassic Period along with the changing earth<br />
environments from that time. Charges apply.<br />
Ages 5–11. Book online.<br />
www.mini-engineers.com<br />
Thurs 2 – Sun 26 Jun<br />
Spitalfields Music<br />
Summer Festival<br />
Various locations. Extraordinary music will be<br />
brought to unexpected places, from museums,<br />
cafés and churches to markets. Full of family<br />
friendly events to keep all ages entertained. Go<br />
online to view the full programme of events.<br />
www.spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk<br />
Fri 3 Jun<br />
Crafty Kids Nature Workshop<br />
Woodberry Wetlands, N16 5HQ. 10.30am–<br />
12.30pm. A unique programme designed<br />
to engage your child with his/her natural<br />
surroundings by integrating the environment<br />
into imaginative and enjoyable activities. Charges<br />
apply. Book online.<br />
www.woodberrywetlands.org.uk<br />
Paper Painting<br />
The Wallace Collection, Manchester Square,<br />
W1U 3BN. 10.30am–12.30pm.Create your own<br />
artworks using paper cutting and collage, with<br />
illustrator Luisa Rivera. Ages 7+. Charges apply.<br />
Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7563 9527<br />
www.wallacecollection.org<br />
Fresh from the Beehives<br />
The Geffrye Museum, E2 8EA. 10.30am–12.30pm<br />
and 2–4pm. Bake yummy honey biscuits and roll<br />
beeswax candles. Ages 5+. Places are allocated<br />
on a first-come first-served basis 30 minutes prior<br />
to the beginning of each activity.<br />
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
Animal Manga<br />
The Cartoon Museum, WC1A 2HH. 11am–1pm.<br />
Takayo Akiyama will show you how to draw cute,<br />
funny and weird manga animals and draw them<br />
into a one-page manga story. Ages 8–12. Charges<br />
apply. Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7580 8155<br />
www.cartoonmuseum.org<br />
Water Fun Festival<br />
Victoria Park, E3 5TB. 12 noon–3pm. An<br />
afternoon of water filled fun to celebrate the<br />
Pools Playground reopening <strong>for</strong> summer.<br />
www.towerhamlets.gov.uk<br />
Nicely Natural<br />
The Geffrye Museum, E2 8EA. 2–4pm. Create<br />
natural cleaning products to make your house<br />
smell great. Ages 8+. Places are allocated on a<br />
first-come first-served basis 30 minutes prior to<br />
the beginning of each activity.<br />
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
Chibi Manga<br />
The Cartoon Museum, WC1A 2HH. 2–4pm. Takayo<br />
will give you top tips <strong>for</strong> drawing your own cute<br />
manga characters. Ages 8–12. Charges apply.<br />
Call to book.<br />
Tel: 020 7580 8155<br />
www.cartoonmuseum.org<br />
Fri 3 Jun – Fri 15 Jul<br />
Sunset Safari<br />
ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY. (Fri<br />
only) 6–10pm. Relax and be entertained as the<br />
sun goes down over London in the company of<br />
more than 750 incredible animal species from<br />
around the world. Charges apply. Go online <strong>for</strong><br />
more in<strong>for</strong>mation and to buy tickets.<br />
www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo<br />
Sat 4 Jun<br />
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (U)<br />
Regent Street Cinema, W1B 2UW. 11.30am. An<br />
inventor needing a boost of better luck turns a<br />
broken-down Grand Prix car into a flying magical<br />
machine <strong>for</strong> his kids, they embark on a magical<br />
fantasy adventure to save their grandfather in a<br />
far-off land. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.regentstreetcinema.com<br />
Novotel Super Heroes Day<br />
Various locations. Looking <strong>for</strong> a great way<br />
to entertain the family? Let your little hero<br />
or heroes’ imagination soar with fun and<br />
educational activities <strong>for</strong> children aged 5 to 11<br />
years old. Go online to find a hotel near you and to<br />
book your free place.<br />
www.novotelheroes.co.uk<br />
Clara the Rhinoceros<br />
The National Gallery, WC2N 5DN. 11–11.40am,<br />
12 noon–12.40pm, 2–2.40pm and 3–3.40pm.<br />
Enjoy the amazing story of Pietro Longhi's<br />
extraordinary rhinoceros. Ages 5+. Free<br />
admission. Places are limited and are allocated<br />
on arrival.<br />
www.nationalgallery.org.uk<br />
Pond Dipping<br />
Victoria Park, E3 5TB. 10am–12.30pm. Try your<br />
hand at pond dipping and learn all about the<br />
inhabitants of the lake. Meet at the Hub Building.<br />
www.towerhamlets.gov.uk<br />
Sun 5 Jun<br />
Open Farm Sunday<br />
Nationwide. A fantastic project which has seen<br />
hundreds of farmers across the UK opening up<br />
their farm <strong>for</strong> one Sunday each year – a great<br />
opportunity <strong>for</strong> everyone, young and old, to<br />
discover first-hand what it means to be a farmer.<br />
Go online to find a farm to visit.<br />
www.farmsunday.org<br />
Montessori Family Day<br />
V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2<br />
9PA. 11am–4pm. Montessori educators lead a<br />
practical workshop teaching fun, creative and<br />
useful techniques to use at home to help your<br />
child’s learning. In collaboration with Montessori<br />
Centre International. Drop in event <strong>for</strong> all ages.<br />
www.vam.ac.uk/moc<br />
Family Craft<br />
Kenwood House, Hampstead, NW3 7JR. 12<br />
noon–4pm. Families will get to work together to<br />
try out different art and crafts whilst exploring<br />
the house and finding out more about its<br />
collections. Charges apply.<br />
www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood<br />
Herts Heavy Horse Show<br />
Capel Manor Gardens, Enfield, EN1 4RQ. 10am–<br />
5pm. Enjoy a day of nostalgia and living heritage<br />
with up 6 different breeds of heavy horse. There<br />
will also be an obstacle course competition,<br />
together with a Farrier, dog agility display, stalls<br />
and refreshments. Charges apply.<br />
www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk<br />
The Little Draw<br />
The Wallace Collection, Manchester Square,<br />
W1U 3BN. 1.30–4.30pm. Explore the Wallace<br />
Collection through drawing and doodling on<br />
to discarded materials inspired by both the<br />
museum's collection and building, Hert<strong>for</strong>d<br />
House. Free, drop in event.<br />
www.wallacecollection.org<br />
Open Farm Sunday<br />
Kentish Town City Farm, NW5 4BN. Open Farm<br />
Sunday is farming’s national open day. It is a<br />
fantastic opportunity <strong>for</strong> farmers to connect with<br />
the public, share their story and showcase British<br />
farming and food. Go online to see what the farm<br />
has to offer.<br />
www.ktcityfarm.org.uk<br />
12<br />
Primary Times may half term <strong>2016</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/north_london
www.primarytimes.net/north_london | may half term <strong>2016</strong> Primary Times 13
what’s on where<br />
Make & Do<br />
Camden Arts Centre, NW3 6DG. 2–4.30pm. Drop<br />
in to the Drawing Studio and Galleries to take part<br />
in creative and fun activities led by artists Betsy<br />
Dadd and Sam Winston. Suitable <strong>for</strong> all ages<br />
and materials are provided. Free of charge, but<br />
donations are invited.<br />
www.camdenartscentre.org<br />
Open Farm Sunday<br />
Stepney City Farm, E1 3DG. 12 noon–3pm. Go<br />
along and visit the farm on this special event.<br />
www.stepneycityfarm.org<br />
Handmade<br />
Forty Hall & Estate, Enfield, EN2 9HA. 12 noon–<br />
5pm. Enjoy a traditional craft day with a host<br />
of demonstrations from experts in beekeeping,<br />
blacksmithing, basket weaving and woodturning.<br />
Children can try their creative hand at one of the<br />
craft workshops and be sure to visit the Craft<br />
Market, where you will find lots of hand-made<br />
treats. Go online to book activities.<br />
www.<strong>for</strong>tyhallestate.co.uk<br />
Crafternoon: Shavuot<br />
JW3, Finchley Road, NWQ3 6ET. 2pm. Join in <strong>for</strong><br />
an afternoon making Shavuot crafts. Charges<br />
apply. Book online.<br />
www.jw3.org.uk<br />
Wed 8 Jun<br />
Puppet Tales<br />
JW3, Finchley Road, NWQ3 6ET. 4.15pm. Children<br />
love puppets and the enchanting worlds they<br />
take us to. Join in <strong>for</strong> stories, fun and specially<br />
designed handmade puppets being brought to<br />
life. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.jw3.org.uk<br />
Sat 11 Jun<br />
James and the Giant Peach (U)<br />
Regent Street Cinema, W1B 2UW. 11.30am. An<br />
orphan boy James comes across a giant peach and<br />
its inhabitants, bugs, who are more human than<br />
the Aunts he lives with. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.regentstreetcinema.com<br />
Creating Plants from Yarn<br />
Stoke Newington Library, N16 0JS. 10.30am–<br />
12.30pm or 2–4pm. A children’s workshop <strong>for</strong><br />
ages 7–12. Learn simple techniques so you can<br />
make your own shrub or tree – or even a <strong>for</strong>est. A<br />
wide range of yarns and fabrics will be provided.<br />
Email <strong>for</strong> more in<strong>for</strong>mation and to book.<br />
commonthreadworkshop@gmail.com<br />
Family Workshop<br />
with John Hegley<br />
Kings Place, Kings Cross, N1 9AG. 12 noon. Join<br />
the master of silly songs, John Hegley <strong>for</strong> an hour<br />
of PO-NG writing (poem-songs) singing and<br />
per<strong>for</strong>ming in this family event. Charges apply.<br />
Book online.<br />
www.kingsplace.co.uk<br />
The Highgate Fair in the Square<br />
Pond Square/South Grove, Highgate Village, N6<br />
5BS. 12.30–5.30pm. This free annual event brings<br />
together live music, children’s activities and<br />
traditional fair attractions such as Morris Dancers,<br />
Circus Per<strong>for</strong>mers, Punch and Judy and the ever<br />
popular Sheep Show.<br />
www.fairinthesquare.co.uk<br />
Sun 12 Jun<br />
Antiques & Collectors Fair<br />
Forty Hall & Estate, Enfield, EN2 9HA. 11am–5pm.<br />
An emporium of stands bursting with collector’s<br />
items, vintage jewellery, clothes, porcelain and<br />
much more. Perfect <strong>for</strong> those on the lookout <strong>for</strong><br />
retro or vintage collectables. Free entry.<br />
www.<strong>for</strong>tyhallestate.co.uk<br />
Family Barn Dance<br />
Cecil Sharp House, Camden Town, NW1 7AY.<br />
3–5pm. Take along the entire family and take<br />
part in lively dances from the British Isles in a<br />
supportive and fun environment. Charges apply.<br />
Buy tickets online.<br />
www.cecilsharphouse.org<br />
Storytelling Family Workshop<br />
Parasol Unit, Islington, N1 7RW. 2.30–4pm. Hear<br />
tales and sing songs be<strong>for</strong>e creating your own<br />
unique stories. This fun and fascinating workshop<br />
will bring out your children's creativity while<br />
taking you to an amazing story-making land.<br />
Ages 5+. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.parasol-unit.org<br />
The Big Lunch<br />
Stepney City Farm, E1 3DG. 12 noon–3pm. Join<br />
in at the farm <strong>for</strong> a communal lunch. Take along<br />
your friends, family and neighbours and a dish to<br />
share! Stepney Games to follow lunch. Free.<br />
www.stepneycityfarm.org<br />
Open Day<br />
Hendon Fire Station, NW4 4BL. 12 noon–4pm.<br />
Open Days feature a variety of family friendly<br />
events while promoting fire safety messages to<br />
local residents. People will also have the chance<br />
to look around the station and check out the<br />
equipment used by Brigade firefighters.<br />
www.london-fire.gov.uk<br />
The <strong>May</strong>or of London’s<br />
Patron’s Lunch<br />
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN. 11am–5pm. The<br />
whole family can enjoy a packed programme of<br />
Queen and Commonwealth themed music and<br />
entertainment all <strong>for</strong> free.<br />
www.london.gov.uk<br />
Be an Olympian <strong>for</strong> a Day<br />
Lee Valley VeloPark, Queen Elizabeth Olympic<br />
Park, E20 3AB. 9.15am–2pm. Follow the world's<br />
top cyclists at the UK's leading cyclinghub - and<br />
raise money <strong>for</strong> great projects at UCLH. This event<br />
has something <strong>for</strong> everyone and is perfect <strong>for</strong><br />
families. Spectators welcome. Register online.<br />
www.visitleevalley.org.uk<br />
LSO Discover Family Concert<br />
Barbican Hall, EC2Y 8DS. 2.30pm. Let the LSO take<br />
you on a journey through the different sections<br />
of the orchestra. There’ll be plenty of chance to<br />
interact, but be sure to look up from your phones<br />
and not get hacked – or it will be Game Over.<br />
Ages 7–13. Book online.<br />
www.barbican.org.uk<br />
Tues 14 Jun<br />
Global Adventures<br />
Shoreditch Church (St Leonard's), E1 6JN. 6pm.<br />
Travel the world as singers from five Tower<br />
Hamlets schools take you on a musical expedition<br />
with a colourful array of songs and words from<br />
around the globe. Part of Spitalfields Music<br />
Summer Festival. Go online to book your free<br />
place.<br />
www.spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk<br />
Wed 15 Jun<br />
Pictures from the Park<br />
V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green, E2<br />
9PA. 5pm. Young musicians from Tower Hamlets<br />
join <strong>for</strong>ces with the Multi-Story Orchestra <strong>for</strong> a<br />
world premiere of Kate Whitley’s The Animals, a<br />
piece inspired by the different animals you can<br />
find in Crystal Palace Park. Free. Book online.<br />
www.spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk<br />
Wed 15 – Sun 19 Jun<br />
Taste of London<br />
Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR. Regent’s Park will<br />
trans<strong>for</strong>m into a foodie wonderland <strong>for</strong> five<br />
days of eating, drinking and entertainment as<br />
the world’s greatest restaurant festival, Taste<br />
of London, returns <strong>for</strong> fantastic food, drink and<br />
summer fun. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.london.tastefestivals.com<br />
Thurs 16 – Sun 19 Jun<br />
Af<strong>for</strong>dable Art Fair<br />
Hampstead Heath, NW3 1TH. The art fair will<br />
bring together a fabulous array of contemporary<br />
art from emerging and established artists. There<br />
will also be interactive workshops, talks and kids<br />
activities across the weekend. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.af<strong>for</strong>dableartfair.com/hampstead<br />
Fri 17 – Sun 19 Jun<br />
The New Tate Modern<br />
Opening Weekend<br />
Tate Modern, SE1 9TG. Celebrate the launch of the<br />
new Tate Modern building. There will be music<br />
per<strong>for</strong>mances, film screenings, workshops, tours,<br />
installations and events, free and open to all.<br />
www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern<br />
8–14s Studio<br />
Tate Modern, SE1 9TG. 12 noon–6pm. Artist<br />
Joseph O’Farrell invites you to join him in<br />
imagining, building and destroying theatrical<br />
creations throughout the launch weekend. Ages<br />
8–14. Free, drop in event.<br />
www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern<br />
Sat 18 Jun<br />
Summer FÊte<br />
King Henry’s Walk Garden, Islington, N1 4NX.<br />
12 noon–4pm. There will be lots of games and<br />
fun <strong>for</strong> all the family!<br />
www.khwgarden.org.uk<br />
Charlie & the Chocolate<br />
Factory (PG)<br />
Regent Street Cinema, W1B 2UW. 11.30am.<br />
Enjoy a screening of the newer version of the<br />
Dahl classic – with an even brighter and bigger<br />
Chocolate Factory <strong>for</strong> you to wish you were in. Buy<br />
tickets online.<br />
www.regentstreetcinema.com<br />
Battle of the Bands<br />
Forty Hall & Estate, Enfield, EN2 9HA. 5–10pm.<br />
Bands battle it out from across the country. Enjoy<br />
food stalls, beer tent, Pimms tent and a picnic on<br />
the lawn with the great entertainment on stage.<br />
Charges apply. Book tickets online.<br />
www.<strong>for</strong>tyhallestate.co.uk<br />
Explore Zoology<br />
Grant Museum of Zoology, WC1E 6DE. 1–4pm.<br />
Take along your budding zoologists <strong>for</strong> our family<br />
hands-on specimen based activities and be<br />
inspired to ask these questions and many more<br />
with the enthusiastic museum educators. Free.<br />
www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology<br />
Jazz goes to Keats<br />
with Michael Rosen<br />
Keats House, Hampstead, NW3 2RR. 2–3pm and<br />
4–5pm. Enjoy this modern jazz show where<br />
the lush, ornate flow of Keats's poetry and the<br />
improvised, syncopated sound of jazz come<br />
together. Ages 10+. Charges apply. Booking<br />
required.<br />
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk<br />
Family Activities<br />
Tower Bridge Exhibition, SE1 2UP. 10.30am–4pm.<br />
Join in some fun family activities inside Tower<br />
Bridge Exhibition. All activities are included in the<br />
price of your admission ticket. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.towerbridge.org.uk<br />
Sat 18 – Sun 19 Jun<br />
Open Garden Squares Weekend<br />
Fenton House and Garden, Hampstead Grove,<br />
NW3 6SP. From 11am. One weekend ticket<br />
provides access to numerous gardens and squares<br />
in London, including Fenton House. Charges<br />
apply. Book tickets online.<br />
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fenton-house<br />
Open Squares Weekend<br />
King Henry’s Walk Garden, N1 4NX. 12<br />
noon–4pm. Enjoy homemade refreshments,<br />
a plant sale and a traditional summer fête on<br />
Saturday afternoon, with lots of games and fun<br />
<strong>for</strong> all the family. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.opensquares.org<br />
Waterloo Weekend<br />
Apsley House, W1J 7NT. 11am–4pm.<br />
To commemorate the Battle of Waterloo<br />
anniversary weekend, re-live the drama and<br />
grandeur of the Napoleonic War as you are<br />
brought face to face with Wellington's troops in<br />
the midst of the campaign.<br />
www.english-heritage.org.uk/apsleyhouse<br />
Open Garden Squares Weekend<br />
Various locations. Feed your curiosity with over<br />
200 gardens to explore in this magical two-day<br />
event. Gardens range from the historic and<br />
traditional to the new and experimental.<br />
Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.opensquares.org<br />
West End Live<br />
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN. 11am–6pm<br />
Sat and 12 noon–6pm Sun. A free annual<br />
festival showcasing the best of the West End’s<br />
entertainment and culture. Programme online.<br />
www.westendlive.co.uk<br />
Sun 19 Jun<br />
Art Français Pour Les Familles<br />
JW3, Finchley Road, NWQ3 6ET. 3pm. The art<br />
teacher will guide you through as you design,<br />
draw and create artwork and get a chance<br />
to create together as a family – all in French.<br />
Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.jw3.org.uk<br />
Crafty Kids Nature Workshop<br />
Woodberry Wetlands, N16 5HQ. 10.30am–<br />
12.30pm. A unique programme designed<br />
to engage your child with his/her natural<br />
surroundings by integrating the environment<br />
into imaginative and enjoyable activities. Charges<br />
apply. Book online.<br />
www.woodberrywetlands.org.uk<br />
Dazzling Dads<br />
Keats House, Hampstead, NW3 2RR. 1–4pm,<br />
stories at 2pm and 3pm. Listen to stories of<br />
dazzling dads and create a Father’s Day card to<br />
celebrate all the wonderful dads, grandpas and<br />
caregivers out there. Free.<br />
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk<br />
Marylebone Summer Fayre<br />
Various locations. From 11am. Everything you<br />
would expect from a traditional village fête –<br />
food, drink, music, children’s activities, craft<br />
stalls, a farmers’ market, tombola and lashings of<br />
community spirit.<br />
www.marylebonesummerfayre.com<br />
Mon 20 Jun<br />
Summer Solstice Fundraiser<br />
Stepney City Farm, E1 3DG. 6–11pm. Celebrate<br />
the Farm on the longest day of the year with food,<br />
drinks, entertainment and more. Go online to<br />
buy tickets.<br />
www.stepneycityfarm.org<br />
Tues 21 Jun<br />
Academy Tots<br />
Royal Academy of Music, NW1 5HT. 10am.<br />
Inquisitive tots and parents are invited <strong>for</strong> this<br />
interactive session designed <strong>for</strong> children aged<br />
3–5. Taking place in the Museum Piano Gallery.<br />
Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.ram.ac.uk<br />
Thurs 23 Jun<br />
Important Pollinators<br />
Stepney City Farm, E1 3DG. 6.30–8pm. Find<br />
out how the farm gardens <strong>for</strong> pollinators, from<br />
resident growing guru Simon White, then learn<br />
about the fascinating lives of honeybees and hear<br />
about their current plight from sustainable urban<br />
beekeeper Sean Hearn. Free, donations welcome.<br />
www.stepneycityfarm.org<br />
Sat 25 Jun<br />
The BFG (U)<br />
Regent Street Cinema, W1B 2UW. 11.30am.<br />
Initially scared, orphan Sophie eventually makes<br />
friends with the Giant who makes sure kids have<br />
sweet dreams. Together they unite to fight the<br />
bad Giants. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.regentstreetcinema.com<br />
Farm Tour: Focus on Pollinators<br />
Stepney City Farm, E1 3DG. 12 noon. Led by Super<br />
Farmers Gordon or Kevin, the tour covers history,<br />
current projects, future plans and allows you to<br />
get really close to the animals. Charges apply.<br />
www.stepneycityfarm.org<br />
14<br />
Primary Times may half term <strong>2016</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/north_london
Illustrate Yourself in a 3D Scene<br />
House of Illustration, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH.<br />
2–5pm. Illustrate your own family 3D scene in a<br />
box to take home, with author-illustrator Claire<br />
Alexander. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.houseofillustration.org.uk<br />
Creature Creations<br />
Grant Museum of Zoology, WC1E 6DE. 1.30–4pm.<br />
Create art inspired by the Grant Museum’s weird<br />
and wonderful animals or invent your very own<br />
animal and add it to the collection in this family<br />
art day with our Museum artist. Free.<br />
www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/zoology<br />
Race <strong>for</strong> Life 5K<br />
Victoria Park, E3 5SN. 11am. An achievable<br />
distance <strong>for</strong> all ages and abilitie, run, walk or even<br />
dance your way round the course. Sign up online.<br />
http://race<strong>for</strong>life.cancerresearchuk.org<br />
Morning Explorers<br />
Museum of London, EC2Y 5HN. 8.30am. An event<br />
specially <strong>for</strong> families with children with autistic<br />
spectrum conditions. Free. Book online.<br />
www.museumoflondon.org.uk<br />
Summer Bird Boxes<br />
The Foundling Museum, WC1N 0EB.<br />
10.30–11.30am, 12 noon–1pm, 2–3pm and<br />
3.30–4.30pm. Learn about Foundling Fellow<br />
Chris Watson’s sound installation Dawn Chorus<br />
and about birds from the time of the Foundling<br />
Hospital. Free workshop. Sign up on the day.<br />
www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk<br />
Sat 25 – Sun 26 Jun<br />
Bee Bonanza<br />
Stepney City Farm, E1 3DG. 12 noon–3pm. Our<br />
sweet little friends are an essential part of our<br />
ecosystem. So to mark the end of pollinator week,<br />
the farm will be celebrating all the hard work they<br />
do. Honey tasting, beeswax crafts, hive exploring<br />
and much more – a perfect <strong>for</strong> any busy little bee!<br />
www.stepneycityfarm.org<br />
Sun 26 Jun<br />
Thames Bridges Bike Ride<br />
Lee Valley VeloPark, Queen Elizabeth Olympic<br />
Park, Strat<strong>for</strong>d, E20 2ST. Enjoy a great day out<br />
<strong>for</strong> all the family whilst supporting local stroke<br />
survivors and their loved ones. Chose from one<br />
of three bike rides – an eight mile family friendly<br />
route, a 35 mile route heading into London, or the<br />
more challenging 50 mile option. Sign up online.<br />
www.stroke.org.uk<br />
Paw Patrol at the Farms<br />
Lee Valley Park Farms, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EF.<br />
11am–5pm. Meet the farm animals and make<br />
friends with cuddly sheep, giant rabbits and a<br />
loveable meerkat family. Paw Patrol's Chase and<br />
Marshall will also be making an appearance at<br />
intervals throughout the day. Admission charges<br />
apply. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.visitleevalley.org.uk<br />
Kenwood Stories<br />
Kenwood House, Hampstead, NW3 7JR. 12.30pm,<br />
2pm and 3pm. The art collections and stories of<br />
Kenwood come alive through narrative and live<br />
interpretation as told by Kenwood volunteers.<br />
Free <strong>for</strong> English Heritage members.<br />
www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood<br />
Open Day<br />
Finchley Fire Station, N3 2RP. 12 noon–4pm. Open<br />
Days feature a variety of family friendly events<br />
while promoting fire safety messages to local<br />
residents. People will also have the chance to look<br />
around the station and check out the equipment.<br />
www.london-fire.gov.uk<br />
July<br />
Sat 2 Jul<br />
Open Day<br />
Harrow Fire Station, HA5 5RW. 11am–3pm. Open<br />
Days feature a variety of family friendly events<br />
while promoting fire safety messages to local<br />
residents. People will also have the chance to look<br />
around the station and check out the equipment.<br />
www.london-fire.gov.uk<br />
Bird Barmy Army<br />
Victoria Park, E3 5TB. 10am–12.30pm. Take<br />
along your friends and family to discover what<br />
feathered friends are living in the park. Meet at<br />
the V&A Building.<br />
www.towerhamlets.gov.uk<br />
Learn to Play the Anvil<br />
Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX. 11.30am and 1.30pm.<br />
In this workshop you can learn how to play<br />
percussion on the anvil, aiming to recreate the<br />
sound of those parts in your group. Taking place<br />
at Sunley Pavilion at Royal Festival Hall. Ages 8+.<br />
Free. Book tickets online.<br />
www.southbankcentre.co.uk<br />
Sat 2 – Sun 3 Jul<br />
Come Away With The Faeries<br />
Forty Hall & Estate, Enfield, EN2 9HA. 11am–9pm<br />
Sat and 10am–7pm Sun. Enjoy a magical day with<br />
plenty of activities <strong>for</strong> all the family. Re-energise<br />
your mind, body and soul in the holistic area,<br />
indulge your creative side in one of the arty<br />
workshops, learn circus skills, dance to live music<br />
or simply relax at the bar. Book tickets online.<br />
www.<strong>for</strong>tyhallestate.co.uk<br />
Sun 3 Jul<br />
Family Craft<br />
Kenwood House, Hampstead, NW3 7JR. 12<br />
noon–4pm. Families will get to work together to<br />
try out different art and crafts whilst exploring<br />
the house and finding out more about its<br />
collections. Charges apply.<br />
www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood<br />
The Little Draw<br />
The Wallace Collection, Manchester Square,<br />
W1U 3BN. 1.30–4.30pm. Explore the Wallace<br />
Collection through drawing and doodling on<br />
to discarded materials inspired by both the<br />
museum's collection and building, Hert<strong>for</strong>d<br />
House. Free, drop in event.<br />
www.wallacecollection.org<br />
Wild Adventure Club<br />
Woodberry Wetlands, N16 5HQ. 10am–12.30pm.<br />
Wild Adventure Club gives your child a chance<br />
to learn about nature and explore the great<br />
outdoors in a safe environment at Woodberry<br />
Wetlands. Charges apply. Book online.<br />
www.woodberrywetlands.org.uk<br />
Sat 9 Jul<br />
Eid Festival<br />
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN. 12 noon–6pm. A<br />
variety of special activities <strong>for</strong> the whole family<br />
to enjoy. Highlights include a food festival, live<br />
music and exclusive per<strong>for</strong>mances.<br />
www.london.gov.uk<br />
Family Activities<br />
Tower Bridge Exhibition, SE1 2UP. 10.30am–4pm.<br />
Join in some fun family activities inside Tower<br />
Bridge Exhibition. All activities are included in the<br />
price of your admission ticket. Buy tickets online.<br />
www.towerbridge.org.uk<br />
Sat 16 Jul<br />
Something Happening<br />
<strong>for</strong> the Kids Festival<br />
The Place, WC1H 9PY. The Place building will be<br />
taken over by an explosion of colours and dance<br />
in all its <strong>for</strong>ms. Fun, per<strong>for</strong>mances, workshops,<br />
activities and surprises. View the full activity<br />
programme and to book tickets online.<br />
www.theplace.org.uk<br />
Sun 17 Jul<br />
Old Time Games<br />
Keats House, Hampstead, NW3 2RR. 1–4pm.<br />
Join in at the garden <strong>for</strong> bubble blowing, skittle<br />
scattering and hula-hooping hi jinks. There’ll be<br />
games <strong>for</strong> all ages and a chance to make and take<br />
home your very own medal. Free, drop in event.<br />
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk<br />
what’s on where<br />
www.primarytimes.net/north_london | may half term <strong>2016</strong> Primary Times 15
ox office<br />
Your family theatre guide...<br />
Artsdepot,<br />
North Finchley<br />
Box Office: 020 8369 5454<br />
www.artsdepot.co.uk<br />
21 <strong>May</strong><br />
Pesky Pirates<br />
Let’s All Dance is back with this high-energy,<br />
interactive production, full of action, giggles<br />
and fantastic hip hop dancing. Clap along<br />
and join in with the piratey moves. Ages<br />
2–9.<br />
22 <strong>May</strong><br />
The Princess & the Frog<br />
Let's All Dance charms audiences young and<br />
old. An original score, gorgeous costumes<br />
and crystal clear story telling draw you into<br />
the magical world of classical ballet. Ages<br />
2–9.<br />
27 <strong>May</strong> – 1 Jun<br />
Little Red Riding Hood<br />
This show gives the traditional tale an<br />
enchanting twist. You can even go along in<br />
your pyjamas, dressing gowns, onesies, and<br />
slippers if you like! Ages 4+.<br />
5 Jun<br />
A Boy & a Bear in a Boat<br />
Dark clouds are looming, the ocean is full of<br />
dangers, there's only one sandwich left and<br />
it's nearly teatime! When all seems lost,<br />
can their friendship survive? Ages 5–9.<br />
Barbican, EC2<br />
Box Office: 020 7638 8891<br />
17–21 <strong>May</strong><br />
A Midsummer Night's Dream:<br />
A Play <strong>for</strong> the Nation<br />
On a Midsummer’s night, four young<br />
lovers find themselves wrapped in the<br />
mischievous arms of an enchanted <strong>for</strong>est<br />
where sprites lurk and fairies rule. All ages.<br />
The Cockpit Theatre, NW8<br />
Box Office: 020 7258 2925<br />
www.thecockpit.org.uk<br />
28 <strong>May</strong><br />
Science Blast 2<br />
Go on a journey into the lives of even more<br />
of the worlds truly great scientists in a<br />
show that's great fun <strong>for</strong> the whole family.<br />
Includes loud noises, explosions and lasers!<br />
25 Jun<br />
Goldilocks & the 3 Bears<br />
When a family of three bears wake from<br />
hibernation to find their <strong>for</strong>est is being<br />
destroyed, they set off to find a new home.<br />
Meanwhile Goldilocks sets off to explore a<br />
local <strong>for</strong>est. Find out what happens when<br />
Goldilocks stumbles across the bear’s new<br />
den and comes face to face with them!<br />
Ages 3+.<br />
office<br />
Dugdale Centre, Enfield<br />
Box Office: 020 8807 6680<br />
28–29 <strong>May</strong><br />
The Great Princess Adventure<br />
Join Elsa and Ana on an enchanting singa-long<br />
adventure and help some of your<br />
favourite princesses on their quest. Ages 3+.<br />
31 <strong>May</strong><br />
Pinocchio<br />
Pinocchio is a mischievous puppet who is<br />
easily distracted. Follow his adventures<br />
which include him being turned into a<br />
donkey and swallowed by a shark. Ages 5–9.<br />
1 Jun<br />
Teddy’s Zoo Adventure<br />
Eddy The Teddy is looking <strong>for</strong>ward to a day<br />
at the Zoo with best friend Sammy Ragdoll.<br />
After a great day, the adventure really<br />
begins when Eddy finds himself locked in<br />
when the Zoo closes <strong>for</strong> the night. Ages 3–6.<br />
11 Jun<br />
The Daughter of the Forest<br />
Slowly, thick, sticky, and dark gilded liquid<br />
approaches the Sundarbans <strong>for</strong>est. It will<br />
claim everything. This evokes demons in<br />
the Sundarban tigers. They start feasting on<br />
humans. Who will save them? Ages 6+.<br />
17–18 Jun<br />
Tales from the Shed<br />
(Also 24–25 Jun) Vibrant, interactive<br />
theatre shows, perfect <strong>for</strong> young children.<br />
They are in<strong>for</strong>mal, lively and amazingly<br />
engaging as the per<strong>for</strong>mers and audience<br />
share the same space. Under 6s.<br />
Forty Hall & Estate, Enfield<br />
Box Office: www.<strong>for</strong>tyhallestate.co.uk<br />
28 <strong>May</strong><br />
Gulliver’s Travels<br />
A brand-new, adventurous and delightfully<br />
innovative adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s<br />
classic satirical story loved by all.<br />
29 Jun<br />
Ratburger<br />
Voted the top children’s book of the year<br />
in 2012, David Walliams’ ‘Ratburger’<br />
encourages us to support Zoe as she battles<br />
through a life littered with perils, pitfalls,<br />
and grizzly individuals. Ages 7+.<br />
How Lion Became King<br />
of Tinga Tinga Land<br />
Kings Place, N1<br />
Box Office: 020 7520 1490<br />
www.kingsplace.co.uk<br />
11 Jun<br />
Turning Poetry into Lyrics<br />
Set favourite rhymes to music at this<br />
interactive family show.<br />
Leicester Square Theatre,<br />
WC2H<br />
Box Office: 020 7734 2222<br />
www.leicestersquaretheatre.com<br />
21 <strong>May</strong><br />
West End Magic<br />
West End Magic returns with the first show<br />
of the year featuring nail biting escapology,<br />
incredible illusions, comedy and impossible<br />
kiwi fruit. Ages 7+.<br />
28–29 <strong>May</strong><br />
How Lion Became King<br />
of Tinga Tinga Land<br />
Follows the adventure of the Wise Old Bird<br />
‘Banjoko’ who decides that the land of Tinga<br />
Tinga should have a King, and how she sets<br />
about finding the suitable Animal worthy to<br />
wear the crown. Ages 3+.<br />
4–5 Jun<br />
Stig of the Dump<br />
Follow Barney and Stig’s adventures as they<br />
collect firewood, go hunting, and even catch<br />
some burglars who break into Barney's<br />
grandparents' house. Ages 6+.<br />
9 Jul – 4 Sep<br />
The Scarecrows’ Wedding<br />
Harry loves Betty, and Betty loves Harry<br />
- so they decide to get married. Will<br />
Reginald persuade Betty that he is the<br />
scarecrow <strong>for</strong> her? Will Harry make it back<br />
in the nick of time be<strong>for</strong>e Reginald ruins<br />
their special day? Ages 3+.<br />
Little Angel<br />
Theatre, N1<br />
Box Office: 020 7226 1787<br />
www.littleangeltheatre.com<br />
Until 26 Jun<br />
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt<br />
Little Angel Theatre brings Michael Rosen’s<br />
thrilling and funny adventure to life in this<br />
entrancing puppetry production. Ages 2–7.<br />
18–19 Jun<br />
The Snitchity Titch Show<br />
This particular Dodo has a very special magic<br />
safe full of gold, but as luck would have it a<br />
robber comes along and steals the gold! Can<br />
Snitch get it back <strong>for</strong> Dodo? Ages 3–5.<br />
29 Jun – 3 Jul<br />
Tom Thumb<br />
Follow Tom’s magical journey from wizard<br />
Merlin and the Fairy Queen to his quest from<br />
King Arthur to defeat a fearsome dragon!<br />
Ages 4–9.<br />
6–10 Jul<br />
Tin Forest<br />
An old man lives in a dreary junkyard, full<br />
of other people’s broken and unwanted<br />
junk. He dreams that one day his world will<br />
be full of life, colour and sound. His wish is<br />
about to come true! Ages 4–11.<br />
Lyric,<br />
Hammersmith<br />
Box Office: 020 8741 6850<br />
www.lyric.co.uk<br />
31 <strong>May</strong> – 4 Jun<br />
Monstersaurus<br />
Follow young inventor Monty as he creates<br />
a whole world of whacky inventions and<br />
incredible monsters, but now he has made<br />
them what is he going to do with them all?<br />
Ages 3–7.<br />
Lyric,<br />
Shaftsbury Avenue<br />
Box Office: 03303 334 812<br />
6 Jul – 4 Sep<br />
The Gruffalo<br />
Based on the award winning book by<br />
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler<br />
this production continues to entertain<br />
audiences worldwide, bringing everyone's<br />
favourite furry monster to life on stage.<br />
Millfield Theatre, N18<br />
Box Office: 020 8807 6680<br />
www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk<br />
22 <strong>May</strong><br />
Pepee<br />
Meet Pepee and Sila live at Millfield Theatre!<br />
Pepee is a Turkish animated television<br />
series produced <strong>for</strong> Show TV. This show is<br />
per<strong>for</strong>med in Turkish. Ages 5+.<br />
31 <strong>May</strong> – 1 Jun<br />
Dogs Don’t Do Ballet<br />
Join Ballet Black <strong>for</strong> their first family ballet,<br />
based on the best-selling book by Anna<br />
Kemp and choreographed by Christopher<br />
Marney, full of fun, magic and one very<br />
special dog! Ages 3+.<br />
Oak Hill Park Arena,<br />
Barnet<br />
Box Office: 08712 200 260<br />
10 Jul<br />
The Wizard of Oz<br />
You are invited to click your heels and<br />
ease on down the yellow brick road as<br />
Immersion Theatre proudly presents a<br />
brand new, Open-Air adaptation of The<br />
Wizard of Oz, a magical family show<br />
guaranteed to have you in stitches from<br />
beginning to end.<br />
Open Air Theatre,<br />
Regents Park<br />
(OPEN AIR ONLY)<br />
Box Office: 08448 264 242<br />
Until 12 Jun<br />
Running Wild<br />
For Will, going to Indonesia isn’t just<br />
another holiday with mum. It’s a new<br />
start, and the chance to ride an elephant<br />
called Oona. But then the tsunami hits. A<br />
story of love, loss, loyalty and of living <strong>for</strong><br />
the moment.<br />
16<br />
Primary Times may half term <strong>2016</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/north_london
This half term at artsdepot<br />
A traditional tale with an enchanting twist<br />
There’s a sleepover at Grandma’s, but it’s impossible<br />
to sleep when there’s a story to be told about big<br />
hungry wolves that would swallow you in one gulp.<br />
Little Red Riding Hood is a tale packed with special<br />
pies, smelly fur coats, donuts and waldeinsamkeit.<br />
Yes that’s right, waldeinsamkeit!<br />
A show full of songs, laughs and surprises, Little Red Riding Hood is perfect<br />
<strong>for</strong> children aged 4+. Come along in your pyjamas, dressing gowns, onesies,<br />
and slippers if you like! Little Red Riding Hood runs from 27 <strong>May</strong> to 1 June at<br />
artsdepot, North Finchley.<br />
Book your tickets now!<br />
Visit www.artsdepot.co.uk or call 020 8369 5454<br />
box office<br />
photo: chris nash<br />
The Place<br />
The Place welcomes a whole<br />
day of dance fun, per<strong>for</strong>mances,<br />
workshops, activities and surprises<br />
with their annual Something<br />
Happening <strong>for</strong> Kids Festival this<br />
July. This annual celebration of everything ‘dance’ presents a jam-packed<br />
programme of per<strong>for</strong>mances and activities, including workshops in street<br />
dance, yoga, improvisation and sound games <strong>for</strong> children aged 10 and<br />
under. Learn to dance with animated characters in Danceoke, marvel at the<br />
scale tipping video installation Weighting, and go on an audio adventure<br />
into the past as you walk around in building in Hidden Traces.<br />
Per<strong>for</strong>mances available throughout the day include New Art Club’s Camper<br />
Van of Love (pictured); a road-tripping mission helping Cupid to retrieve his<br />
powers and ATMA Dance’s The Magic Fish; a modern take on a classic Indian<br />
myth blending beautiful dance with Indian scat singing 'konnakol'.<br />
Per<strong>for</strong>mances and workshops can be booked in advance to fit YOUR needs<br />
and schedule. There are also lots of free per<strong>for</strong>mances and activities to<br />
dip in and out of including a live Brazilian band, Figurines (show) and<br />
Thingamabob by PanGottic Circus; a juggling extravaganza.<br />
“We come to Something Happening <strong>for</strong> Kids every year; the children are<br />
SO involved throughout!” (SHFK2015 attendee)<br />
“I loved all the colours and dancing. My favourite bit was all of it”<br />
(SHFK2015 attendee)<br />
Free activities, workshops £3, shows £8 (or £28 <strong>for</strong> a group of 4).<br />
Theplace.org.uk/kids 020 7121 1100<br />
www.primarytimes.net/north_london | may half term <strong>2016</strong> Primary Times 17
ox office<br />
My First Ballet:<br />
Sleeping Beauty<br />
From Aurora’s christening in the grand hall of the palace, to her jubilant<br />
wedding celebrations, the popular fairy tale comes alive on stage. With<br />
a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened<br />
version of Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous music, this is the perfect introduction to<br />
the beauty of ballet, and a fantastic family day out.<br />
This unique collaboration between English National Ballet and English<br />
National Ballet School is created by English National Ballet’s Associate<br />
Artist George Williamson and per<strong>for</strong>med by second year students from<br />
English National Ballet School.<br />
My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty returns to the Peacock Theatre<br />
from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 July.<br />
Book your tickets now at peacocktheatre.com or call 020 7863 8222<br />
Peacock Theatre,<br />
Holborn<br />
Box Office: 020 7863 8222<br />
www.sadlerswells.com<br />
6–10 Jul<br />
Sleeping Beauty<br />
With a narrator to help the young<br />
audience follow the story, and a<br />
shortened version of Tchaikovsky’s<br />
gorgeous music, this is the perfect<br />
introduction to the beauty of ballet.<br />
Prince Edward<br />
Theatre, W1D<br />
Box Office: 08444 825 151<br />
Aladdin<br />
27 <strong>May</strong> – 1 Oct<br />
Featuring the timeless songs from the<br />
classic film including A Whole New<br />
World, Friend Like Me and Arabian Nights<br />
along with new music written <strong>for</strong> the<br />
production, Aladdin is an extraordinary<br />
theatrical event you will want to be<br />
amongst the first to experience.<br />
Puppet Barge, W9<br />
Box Office: 020 7249 6876<br />
21 <strong>May</strong> – 10 Jul<br />
Brer Rabbit<br />
Visits Africa<br />
Brer Rabbit travels to Africa to visit his<br />
grandmother. He gets himself into trouble,<br />
and all the animals of Africa – elephant, lion<br />
and tortoise alike – gather to help. Ages 3+.<br />
northern Ballet:<br />
tortoise & the hare<br />
Royal Albert Hall,<br />
Kensington<br />
Box Office: 020 7589 8212<br />
31 <strong>May</strong><br />
Arabian Nights<br />
Let Story Pocket Theatre transport you to<br />
a wonderful world of mysterious marvels<br />
using puppetry, music and theatrical<br />
magic, in this new adaptation. Ages 5+.<br />
Sadler’s Wells Theatre, EC1R<br />
Box Office: 020 7863 8000<br />
www.sadlerswells.com<br />
27 <strong>May</strong><br />
Northern Ballet:<br />
Tortoise & the Hare<br />
Bringing this much-loved Aesop’s fable<br />
to life, Tortoise & the Hare is the perfect<br />
opportunity <strong>for</strong> little ones to enjoy live<br />
ballet, music and theatre, in a child-friendly<br />
40-minute production.<br />
Southbank Centre,<br />
SE1<br />
Box Office: 020 7960 4200<br />
31 <strong>May</strong> – 5 Jun<br />
Morgan & West’s Utterly<br />
Spiffing Spectacular Magic<br />
Show For Kids<br />
(and Childish Grown-ups!)<br />
Mixing brain-busting illusion and good<br />
old-fashioned tom-foolery, Morgan & West<br />
present a show <strong>for</strong> all the family, where<br />
magic and silliness abound. Part of the<br />
London Wonderground Festival.<br />
arabian nights<br />
18<br />
Primary Times may half term <strong>2016</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/north_london
5 Jun<br />
Telling Tales<br />
Lose yourself in the woods with the LPO<br />
and Globe Education in this special musical<br />
version of A Midsummer Night's Dream.<br />
Expect enchantment and confusion, and a<br />
bit of silliness along the way.<br />
Theatre Royal,<br />
Drury Lane, WC2B<br />
Box Office: 08444 124 660<br />
Until 7 Jan<br />
Charlie & the<br />
Chocolate Factory<br />
Roald Dahl’s deliciously dark tale of<br />
young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious<br />
confectioner Willy Wonka. Charlie wins<br />
a golden ticket to the Wonka Chocolate<br />
Factory. Ages 5+.<br />
Unicorn, SE1<br />
Box Office: 020 7645 0560<br />
20 <strong>May</strong> – 26 Jun<br />
Septimus Bean<br />
& his Amazing Machine<br />
This comical, rhythmical and inventive show,<br />
based on the much-loved book, will be a<br />
highly enjoyable per<strong>for</strong>mance <strong>for</strong> children<br />
aged 4–7.<br />
Wilton’s Music Hall<br />
Box Office: 020 7702 2789<br />
31 <strong>May</strong> – 4 Jun<br />
Shakespeare<br />
Untold<br />
The stories you know from the characters<br />
you don’t. This family-friendly double bill<br />
comes from London's world-renowned<br />
venue, Shakespeare’s Globe.<br />
box office<br />
charlie & the<br />
chocolate factory<br />
www.primarytimes.net/north_london | may half term <strong>2016</strong> Primary Times 19
pinboard<br />
Pinboard<br />
Dramarama<br />
Attention 5 to 11 year olds! Dramarama is looking <strong>for</strong> talented and<br />
creative boys and girls to star in our exciting Summer Holiday Plays,<br />
Musicals, Street Dance or Hip Hop Shows. Come and join us in NW3<br />
to Act, Dance and Sing.<br />
To create a summer holiday to remember call 0208-446-0891<br />
or visit www.dramarama.co.uk<br />
Broomfield School<br />
Are you looking <strong>for</strong> a school that will care <strong>for</strong> your child<br />
as an individual and give every encouragement and<br />
support so that they will grow and achieve great things?<br />
Then come and be a part of our success. In <strong>May</strong> 2015,<br />
Ofsted said this of our school:<br />
"The quality of teaching is good.”<br />
“Teachers provide good explanations and go on to question and prompt<br />
students effectively to make them think.”<br />
“The behaviour and safety of pupils are good.”<br />
“Students’ behaviour is good in lessons. Students are supportive of each<br />
other and show courtesy and respect.”<br />
“The leadership and management are good.”<br />
“School leaders work with professionalism and care to support all<br />
students... As a result, students enjoy coming to school and feel valued.”<br />
Our summer 2015 results show that the progress of our pupils is again<br />
significantly above schools nationally in mathematics, science, languages<br />
and the Best 8 GCSEs including English and mathematics (DfE, 2015).<br />
Broomfield offers a warm and friendly school community of 600 pupils:<br />
a school in which every pupil is known and receives great opportunities.<br />
We are providing an excellent education to our local community and would<br />
like you to come and see our school in action. Our Open Mornings are<br />
26th <strong>May</strong>, 23rd June and 14th July. Come and visit us. Come and be a<br />
part of our success. We look <strong>for</strong>ward to meeting you.<br />
www.broomfield.enfield.sch.uk<br />
Per<strong>for</strong>m Drama, Dance &<br />
Singing Holiday Courses<br />
This summer, Per<strong>for</strong>m Drama workshops has the bare necessities of life<br />
covered with The Jungle Book holiday courses <strong>for</strong> 4–7 year olds based on<br />
Rudyard Kipling’s classic story. This crash course in the law of the jungle is<br />
fun all the way with Mowgli, the man cub, Baloo the bear and black panther<br />
Bagheera. During the fun-packed week of singing, dancing and acting,<br />
children will make new friends, stretch their imaginations and put together a<br />
lively show with on the last day.<br />
Also, <strong>for</strong> the first time Per<strong>for</strong>m are running brand new, five day holiday<br />
courses <strong>for</strong> 7–12 year olds based on Francis Hodgson Burnett’s classic tale,<br />
The Secret Garden. Running in Belsize Park and Highgate, the course is run<br />
by professionals who will nurture the children’s creativity with a mix of song,<br />
dance and drama. At the end of the week, children will per<strong>for</strong>m a minimusical<br />
based on the mysteries of Misselthwaite Manor to family and friends.<br />
All courses run daily from 10am–3pm and cost £225 (3 days) or £330 (5<br />
days) with a 25% discount <strong>for</strong> siblings and reductions <strong>for</strong> groups. Plus, <strong>for</strong><br />
bookings made be<strong>for</strong>e 8th June, quoting code EBTJB080616 (Jungle Book) or<br />
EBTSG080616 (Secret Garden), there is a 10% discount on total course fees.*<br />
Go to www.per<strong>for</strong>m.org.uk/holidays or call 020 7255 9120 <strong>for</strong> more<br />
details. *Terms and conditions apply see <strong>web</strong>site <strong>for</strong> full details.<br />
Boost your child’s confidence<br />
with Kumon<br />
At your local study centre, Kumon offers individualised maths<br />
and English study programmes which are tailored to your<br />
child’s age and ability. Established <strong>for</strong> over 50 years, the<br />
Kumon programmes enable children to develop their study<br />
skills and confidently tackle advanced work.<br />
The worksheet-based study programmes are designed to<br />
pursue the potential of each child. Central to the Kumon Method<br />
is the principal of giving students the confidence and courage to<br />
confront new challenges and pursue their own goals.<br />
Kumon develops children through the acquisition of<br />
independent learning skills, rather than teaching in the<br />
conventional sense. Your child will there<strong>for</strong>e be equipped<br />
with the ability to learn <strong>for</strong> themselves so they do not become<br />
dependent on – or limited by – the skills and knowledge of<br />
others.<br />
Your child will initially start at a com<strong>for</strong>table level, with a<br />
focus on building a strong foundation in the way they study;<br />
they will develop invaluable study skills such as concentration,<br />
pace and rhythm, be<strong>for</strong>e confidently tackling topics they will<br />
not have previously studied.<br />
To find out more about how Kumon can benefit your child call<br />
0800 854 714 or visit Kumon.co.uk to find your nearest centre.<br />
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Primary Times may half term <strong>2016</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/north_london
See London<br />
as a City of Toys<br />
During <strong>May</strong> Half Term each paying<br />
adult to The View from The Shard<br />
visiting between Monday 30 <strong>May</strong> and<br />
Sunday 5 June will be entitled to two<br />
child tickets free of charge (valid <strong>for</strong><br />
children aged 4–15 years).<br />
The View from The Shard provides<br />
families with an un<strong>for</strong>gettable experience and is the perfect place<br />
to nurture a child’s fascination with London's history. Spark their<br />
imagination with the spectacular 360-degree view that stretches<br />
<strong>for</strong> up to 40 miles and see London as a “city of toys” from the top of<br />
Western Europe’s tallest building.<br />
Families can discover over 1,000 years of the capital's history<br />
and, from London’s highest viewing plat<strong>for</strong>m, spot both historic<br />
and modern landmarks including The Houses of Parliament,<br />
The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the Olympic Park and<br />
Wembley Stadium. During Half Term children can also play a ‘Spot<br />
the Sights’ game <strong>for</strong> the chance to win a Romeo the Fox goody bag.<br />
Activity sheets are available at The View from The Shard ticket<br />
desk, or to download at home from www.theviewfromtheshard.com<br />
London is truly brought to life throughout the attraction. Travel<br />
in exciting kaleidoscopic, super-fast lifts to the top. Time-travel as<br />
far back as Roman times with interactive multimedia guides and<br />
high-tech ‘Tell:scopes’ which enable exploration of the cityscape<br />
in every direction. They provide in<strong>for</strong>mation about surrounding<br />
landmarks and the opportunity to see how the capital’s<br />
architecture has changed over the centuries with historic views<br />
from the Museum of London archives.<br />
The Geffrye<br />
Museum of<br />
the Home<br />
Plan an action-packed half term<br />
at Lee Valley Athletics Centre<br />
Do you have a budding athlete in the family? Hop, skip and jump<br />
into half term and introduce your kids to a world of athletics with<br />
our exciting Star Track school holiday courses. Starting from<br />
Tuesday 31 <strong>May</strong> and suitable <strong>for</strong> ages 6–12, our fully qualified<br />
coaches will teach your child a range of new skills and techniques<br />
from hurdles to high jumps and much, much more! Courses start<br />
from just £28 <strong>for</strong> ages 6–8, and £46* <strong>for</strong> ages 8–12 so grab the<br />
baton and book now <strong>for</strong> a fun filled half term.<br />
Can’t make our <strong>May</strong> courses? Star Track runs every school holiday<br />
during the year, so join us <strong>for</strong> our summer sessions throughout<br />
August. Your kids won’t want to miss out!<br />
We don’t just cater <strong>for</strong> kids. Join us every Saturday and Sunday<br />
morning from 09:15–10:15 in our NEW Boot Camp sessions.<br />
Using a mix of cardio and high intensity exercises, pump up your<br />
workout and push yourself to the limit with a little help from our<br />
experienced coaches – helping you be the best you can be.<br />
*Price increases to £56 if booked after 23 <strong>May</strong><br />
Find out more and book online: www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics<br />
or call 020 8344 7230<br />
Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton, N9 0AR<br />
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The Geffrye Museum of the Home is one of London’s most<br />
friendly museums. Set in beautiful 18th century buildings<br />
surrounded by gardens in Hoxton, East London, the museum<br />
explores how English homes have changed over the past 400<br />
years through displays of living rooms and gardens.<br />
Free workshops and activities exploring the theme of<br />
home are held <strong>for</strong> children and families every school holiday.<br />
The summer half-term activities will be inspired by jobs done<br />
around the home through the centuries and will include<br />
making natural cleaning products, baking biscuits and<br />
planting seeds (Tuesday 31 <strong>May</strong> – Friday 3 June, 10.30am–<br />
12.30pm and 2–4pm).<br />
Looking ahead to the summer, the holidays kick off with a<br />
fun-packed family day on Sunday 24 July, programmed by the<br />
museum’s young people (12-4.30pm). This is followed by three<br />
weeks of exciting activities exploring all the things that people<br />
do both indoors and outside in the garden. Create garden<br />
sketch books, fun board games and much more! (Tuesday 26<br />
July – Friday 12 August: weekdays except Mondays, 10.30am–<br />
12.30pm and 2–4pm).<br />
Throughout the holidays and on weekend afternoons,<br />
families can explore more of the Geffrye with family-friendly<br />
audio tours, quizzes, trails, activity back-packs and the garden<br />
activity cart.<br />
For full details, please visit www.geffrye-museum.org.uk<br />
Comedy Club 4 Kids<br />
Since 2005, Comedy Club 4 Kids have been persuading the international<br />
circuit's best stand-ups and sketch acts to per<strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> family audiences, at<br />
shows that are 'great' (The Scotsman), 'sterling' (Guardian), and 'absolutely<br />
hilarious' (Yorkshire Times). Our Udderbelly acts will include James Acaster,<br />
Tiernan Douieb, Bec Hill and Howard Read!<br />
Udderbelly Festival:<br />
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road Coach Park, London SE1 8XX<br />
Saturdays <strong>May</strong> 21, June 18/25, July 9/16; Sunday July 3, 1.30–2.30pm<br />
Tickets cost £10, or £9 each if buying 4 or more<br />
www.udderbelly.co.uk<br />
www.comedyclub4kids.co.uk<br />
www.primarytimes.net/north_london | may half term <strong>2016</strong> Primary Times 21
tuition<br />
Discover Aweswim<br />
A family run established swimming school with over 20 years’ experience.<br />
Aweswim only have small classes of six pupils, which helps children to learn<br />
more quickly. Parents are allowed poolside to watch and can be provided with<br />
constant feedback from teachers. No armbands or discs are used. The teacher<br />
provides constant assistance, so no aids are needed.<br />
Teachers are in the water providing one-to-one interaction. The majority of<br />
teachers are ex-pupils of Aweswim, so have grown up with the same ethos of<br />
how to teach swimming.<br />
Lessons are <strong>for</strong> everyone, from parent and baby to competitive swimmers<br />
looking <strong>for</strong> extra stroke work and individual attention. Aweswim classes are<br />
available in Kingsbury and in Golders Green, where male only and female only<br />
classes are offered.<br />
Visit www.aweswim.co.uk<br />
Understanding KS2 SATs<br />
and reporting<br />
It’s a confusing time <strong>for</strong> primary school parents. From <strong>2016</strong>, KS2<br />
national curriculum test outcomes will no longer be reported<br />
using levels; this is in part a response to concerns about the<br />
validity and reliability of levels and sub-levels, identified by the<br />
consultation on re<strong>for</strong>ming assessment and accountability.<br />
“Scaled scores” will be now used instead of levels. The<br />
government states that these are used all over the world and are<br />
intended to help test results to be reported consistently from one<br />
year to the next, so that two pupils achieving the same scaled<br />
score on two different tests will have demonstrated the same<br />
attainment, e.g. 100 will always represent the ‘national standard’.<br />
The structures <strong>for</strong> the new assessments are in place <strong>for</strong> this year,<br />
but there won’t be data to compare like with like until next year’s<br />
cohort sit the SATs and thereafter. The government will publish<br />
charts in July, <strong>for</strong> schools to use <strong>for</strong> reporting purposes. They will<br />
try and equate these with the expected end KS2 levels to make it<br />
meaningful <strong>for</strong> meeting national expectations, but it has not been<br />
done be<strong>for</strong>e so this will be a bit of a trial being the first year.<br />
JK Educate – Jaderberg Krais<br />
JK Educate specialises in bespoke support <strong>for</strong> children’s learning,<br />
with schools advice, child assessments, specialist subject tutoring,<br />
entrance exam preparation and study skills. Contact Katie Krais on<br />
020 3488 0754 or via www.jkeducate.co.uk/contact-us/<br />
22<br />
Primary Times may half term <strong>2016</strong> | www.primarytimes.net/north_london
tuition<br />
St. Augustine’s<br />
Church of England<br />
High School<br />
Ox<strong>for</strong>d Road, London NW6 5SN<br />
Headteacher: Eugene Moriarty BA (QTS); MA<br />
St. Augustine’s is a vibrant and successful 11–19, fully<br />
comprehensive school in Kilburn/Maida Vale where we<br />
encourage everyone, to “be the best that they can be”.<br />
Every student at St. Augustine’s is treated as an individual.<br />
Our collective hard work and determination to succeed<br />
resulted in the school being judged as ‘Outstanding’<br />
by Ofsted (September 2013). We continue to strive to<br />
be beyond ‘Outstanding’ and keep the progress of our<br />
students at the core of what we do. The progress of our<br />
students was recognised as being in the top 5% of all<br />
schools <strong>for</strong> progress overall and in the top 1% of schools <strong>for</strong><br />
progress in maths (2015 Summer Results).<br />
We also received particular recognition from ALPs as a<br />
result of the excellent trend in our A Level results over the<br />
last three years (2012 to 2015).<br />
www.staugustineshigh.org<br />
www.primarytimes.net/north_london | may half term <strong>2016</strong> Primary Times 23
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