Primary Times Oxfordshire Winter 2017

45,000 copies for families of 

Primary School Children 

Oxfordshire 

Christmas/New Year ISSUE N o 112 

29 Nov 2017 – 28 Jan 2018

Stagecoach Bus 

From Ice Skating al fresco to hot chocolate at the Christmas markets, 

there are plenty of experiences to share on your visit to London this 

Winter. Plan a festive trip to the Capital that the whole family can 

enjoy and get there with the Oxford Tube. 

Coaches depart from Oxford up to every 12 to 15 minutes, and 

what’s more up to two children can travel for free* with a fare paying 

adult! Our coach stop at Marble Arch is just across the road and a 

few minutes’ walk from the UK’s number one Christmas destination; 

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Coaches run through the night so 

you’ll have more than enough time to enjoy the array of attractions 

and entertainment on offer. 

There is no need to pre-book your travel tickets, just turn up and 

board from one of our many Oxford City coach stops. For timetables, 

fare information and stop locations visit oxfordtube.com 

*Ts and Cs apply

Dear Reader 

Welcome to the Christmas Issue of 

Primary Times 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 

There’s lots to celebrate and plenty to do to 

keep you entertained throughout the Winter. 

You’ll find lots of fantastic events and activities 

in our What’s On Guide, many of them are free, so 

pop along and join in the fun. 

Santa is making many appearances around the region before 

taking to his sleigh for the big day. On page 6 there is a list of all 

the places you can see Santa before Christmas Day - finding him 

couldn’t be easier! 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a Panto or a show 

and you’ll find something to entertain the whole family in 

our Box Office pages. 

Don’t forget to enter our wonderful competitions on page 23. You 

could win tickets to see The Nutcracker and The Mouse King at the 

Cornerstone Theatre and a £40 toy bundle from The Entertainer at 

Castle Quay Shopping Centre. You’ve got to be in it to win it! 

Finally, everyone at Primary Times wishes you all a joyous 

festive time, and a wonderful 2018. We’ll see you next year 

for more fun ideas, events and competitions! 

Don’t forget, to let us know if there’s something 

exciting happening at your school, you can email us at 

sam@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Marion, Sam, Marie, Carol & Charlotte 

Calling all 

families 

and teachers! 

Remember to send in 

your news for our news 

pages – we would love 

to hear from you! 

Don’t forget to visit us 

online at 

www.primarytimes.net 

/oxfordshire 

www.facebook.com/ 

primarytimesoxfordshire 

4 News 

6 Find Santa 

11 WOW 

12 Christmas Crackers 

16 Education 

19 Box Office 

23 Competitions 

...the UK’s biggest, free ‘what’s on’ magazine for parents! 

Publisher: Marion McAdam marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Assistant Editor: Sam Shepherd sam@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Production: Carol George production@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Sales: Marie McArthur ptoxon@schoolspublishing.co.uk TEL: 01491 411848 

Design: Charlotte Morgan 

Primary Times Oxfordshire, Schools Publishing Limited, Primary Times Magazine Group 

Unit 1A, Thamesview Industrial Estate, Newtown Road, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 1HG 

TEL: 01491 411848 FAX: 01491 411416 www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire 

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Oxfordshire. It aims to 

inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, 

pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. 

It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry 

any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. 

Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Oxfordshire for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their 

contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore 

made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and 

advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is 

currently publishing over two million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain. 

contents 

LEARNING DIFFICULTIES 

The BERARD Auditory Training is a non - invasive, educational 

training programme. It retrains the auditory and sensory systems to 

function more efficiently and to develop more robust connections 

from ear to Cerebral cortex. The gains are permanent and continue to 

strengthen for up to 9 months after training. 

Q: What is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)? 

A: APD is an abnormality in the brains ability to filter and process 

sounds and words. The distortions and delays in the transmission of 

sounds results in inaccurate and incomplete coding of sound. This 

leaves the individual struggling to process/interpret what they hear. 

Q: Is APD common? 

A: YES! These latest figures from the National Institute of Health may 

surprise you. 

In children with learning difficulties 43% have APD and 

50% of children with Dyslexia also have coexisting APD. 

Q: Does APD occur with other learning and behavioural disabilities? 

A: YES, this coexistence is very common 

APD often goes undiagnosed , but can be a significant component 

of ADD, ADHD OR PDD, ASD. 

Improving the APD can lessen some of the symptoms of other 

conditions. 

Q: What solutions can you offer at Hear and Now? 

A: We offer 

A comprehensive Auditory assessment, to determine if auditory 

training will be of benefit to your child. 

A training specifically suited to your child’s results. 

Clinically supervised, intensive and highly successful programmes. 

Book our FREE mini seminar Tuesday 12/12/17 7.30pm - 9pm 

OR a 20 min FREE chat. 

Email: veronica@hearandnowauditory.com 

Web: www.hearandnowauditory.com 

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | WINTER Issue Primary Times 3

news & views 

oxfordshirenews 

Do you have news to celebrate? We’d love to hear! Email sam@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire 

Egg-citing News! 

The official launch event for The Adventures of Egg Box 

Dragon at The Story Museum in Oxford was something of 

a sad and joyous affair. The book was the last written by 

Richard Adams before he died last year, but its launch was 

a reminder of how wonderful his writing is. As the author 

of Watership Down (amongst others) Adams has delighted 

children with his tales for years and at the event Mr Adams’ 

daughters Rosamond and Juliet who lives in Oxford pledged 

£5,000 to the museum’s funds so that children can continue 

to enjoy the work that the Story Museum does. 

Tish Francis co-director of Story Museum said, ‘Richard 

Adams is a literary hero and he and his family have been 

great supporters of the Story Museum from the outset. We 

were delighted to host the christening of his last book”, The 

Egg Box Dragon and hope lots of children will enjoy reading 

this beautifully illustrated story. 

Rare baby White Rhino born at Cotswold 

Wildlife Park & Gardens 

The adorable male 

is the newest arrival 

at the Park. At 

one-week old, he 

weighed around 

eleven stone and 

is proving to be 

a high-spirited 

and boisterous 

youngster. 

The calf, named 

Alan, is only the 

fourth White Rhino 

to be born at the 

Burford collection 

since it opened in 

1970. Births in captivity are considered extremely 

rare, with only thirteen White Rhinos being born in 

European zoos in the last twelve months. 

The White Rhino is living proof of conservation 

PHOTO: JACKIE THOMAS 

success. They were 

once the rarest 

subspecies of any 

Rhino and were on the 

verge of extinction in 

the early 1900s when 

it was believed some 

fifty animals remained 

in the wild. However, 

poaching for their horn 

remains their biggest 

threat. The false belief 

that Rhino horn can 

cure cancer and 

other life-threatening 

diseases has resulted 

in a population slaughter of 1054 Rhinos in South 

Africa alone in 2016. Three of the five Rhino species 

- the Black, Javan and Sumatran - are critically 

endangered. 

Friends of the Earth launch 

free primary school resource 

to help tackle air pollution 

97% of teachers & parents recommend 

Friends of the Earth’s Clean Air 

Schools Pack 

Environmental charity Friends of the Earth 

launched a Clean Air Schools Pack on 1st 

November - a free educational resource to help 

primary school students learn about air pollution. 

The launch of the pack, endorsed by the National 

Union of Teachers, coincides with new guidance 

from the National Education Union which urges 

schools to monitor air pollution and learn about 

pollution in lessons. 

Children are particularly vulnerable to the 

effects of air pollution. Dirty air can cause and 

worsen asthma, impact brain development and 

even lead to smaller lung development. There 

are currently over 2000 schools, colleges and 

nurseries located in places with illegal levels of 

dirty air. 

The packs contain three lesson plans to 

help transform pupils into budding scientists; 

including air monitoring tubes which allow 

students to test for the harmful gas nitrogen 

dioxide. The pupils then get the opportunity to 

learn campaigning skills to make their voices 

heard; including how to write a persuasive letter 

to local politicians and how to run a poster 

competition to raise awareness in their school. 

Also included is a fun and active assembly plan, 

colourful posters and materials, and ‘I love Clean 

Air’ stickers. 

The launch follows a successful pilot with 200 

primary schools in which 97% of teachers and 

parents said they would recommend the pack. 

To order a Clean Air Schools Pack go to: 

https://act.foe.co.uk/act/order-your-clean-airschools-pack 

Oxfordshire Hospital School is a special 

school that provides education for children of 

school age who are admitted to hospital and 

also educates children at home and at Helen 

& Douglas House. Last year, the school was rated 

inadequate after inspectors said it was not doing 

enough to ensure pupils were safe. 

Over the course of the last 9 months, the school 

has worked hard with Oxford County Council and 

has really turned things around, resulting in an 

Outstanding rating in all areas from Ofsted. 

In her statement on the school’s website, 

Headteacher Angela Ransby said “Today feels like 

a rebirth for the OHS; a reawakening of the whole 

school, now working as one highly effective body 

of outstanding teaching. Ofsted’s judgement has 

liberated us. It means we can now move on as a 

unified school, to do the things we believe in as one 

of the most successful providers of education for 

children with medical needs in the UK.” 

The Heat Goes On 

South Oxfordshire Heat, basketball club for 

children of all ages and abilities recently hosted 

an Under 10 tournament at Didcot Girls School. 

With 32 points from the current league topscorer 

Reeve Mahalingham, The Heat were the 

most successful team on the day. 

About 70 girls and boys from seven primary 

schools competed, and there will be three 

further under 10s tournaments during the 

season before the league winners are crowned 

in May. Although the club always play to win, 

they retain a family atmosphere and put fun and 

laughter above everything. 

The Heat also welcomed Oxford Eagles 

the long running wheelchair basketball 

club for children based in Oxford into their 

ranks recently. The Eagles has re-branded as 

Oxfordshire Heat The decision to change the 

club name and logo has been taken to reinforce 

the close working ties between the basketball 

clubs and to continue to foster growth of 

wheelchair basketball opportunities for youth 

and adult players in Oxford. South Oxfordshire 

Heat Club Trustee Shiv Mahalingham added: 

“The unification of the clubs will open up 

basketball to many restricted mobility children 

and adults in Oxford and we plan to enter a 

league next season for those all-important 

competition opportunities.” 

4 

Primary Times WINTER Issue | www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire


Where to find 

this festive s 

To avoid disappointment please ensure you 

book where necessary 

25 Nov - 24 Dec 

Christmas Festival 

Odds Farm Park HP10 0LX 

www.oddsfarm.co.uk 

10am Present your Christmas Festival Pass 

and come and meet Father Christmas, before 

heading onto the Cuddly Creative Christmas 

Corner and finally onto the Elves’ Workshop 

to collect something extra special. Booking 

essential. T: 01628 520188 

1 - 4 Dec 

Christmas at the Farm 

Bucklebury Farm Park RG7 6RR 

www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk 

9.30am The Farm Park will be decorated and 

looking at its best. There are donkeys and deer 

to feed and Santa will be dropping into the 

glorious grotto. T: 0118 971 4002 

1 - 24 Dec 

Christmas Kingdom 

Mead Open Farm LU7 9JH 

www.meadopenfarm.co.uk 

10am Meet real Reindeer, attend Elf Academy 

and meet Santa in his Grotto. Booking essential. 

T: 01525 852954 

2 Dec 

Wallingford Fire Station Open Day 

Wallingford Fire Station OX10 

www.wallingford.co.uk 

10am Come and meet Santa in his Grotto and 

look round the Fire Station. 

Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza 

Abingdon Market Place OX14 3HG 

www.abingdon.gov.uk 

9am Christmas Market, live music, children’s 

entertainment and fireworks. 

Santa’s Arrival 

Stubbings Nursery SL6 6QL 

www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk 

11am See Santa arrive by Helicopter and meet 

his reindeer. Tickets £5. T: 01628 825454 

Ramsden Christmas Market 

Lower Farm OX7 3AZ 

www.ramsdenvillage.co.uk 

1pm Over 50 stalls, musical entertainment and 

Santa Claus. Cost £2 adults, children free. 

Great Tew Christmas Fair 

Great Tew Primary School OX7 4DB 

www.stallfinder.com 

12pm Stalls, activities, camel rides and Santa’s 

Grotto. T: 07976 441084 

2 - 3 Dec 

A Victorian Christmas 

Chiltern Open Air Museum HP8 4AB 

www.coam.org.uk 

11am Try your hand at some festive family 

crafts and enjoy traditional Christmas 

storytelling. Meet costumed re-enactors and 

see Father Christmas in his grotto. Normal 

admission applies, £3 cost for the grotto. 

T: 01494 871117 

Christmas Grotto 

Bletchley Park MK3 6EB 

www.bletchleypark.org.uk 

10am Step back in time and experience a 

1940s style Christmas Grotto. Cost £6. Booking 

essential. T: 01908 640404 

Day Out With Thomas to Visit Father 

Christmas 

Didcot Railway Centre OX11 7NJ 

www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 

10.30am Thomas will take visitors to meet 

Father Christmas where all children will receive a 

present. Booking essential. T: 01235 817200 

Day Out with Thomas & Father Christmas 

Bucks Railway Centre HP22 4BY 

www.bucksrailcentre.org 

10.25am Father Christmas’ train will be pulled 

by Thomas the Tank Engine. There will be 

entertainment and refreshments and a visit from 

Father Christmas. T: 01296 655720 

Santa Steam Specials 

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Station 

Rd, Chinnor OX39 4ER 

www.chinnorrailway.co.uk 

10.15am Santa and his Elves will visit every 

family during the journey. Drinks and mince pies 

included. T: 01844 353535 

Meet Father Christmas 

Banbury Museum OX16 2PQ 

www.banburymuseum.org 

10am Enter a very special winter wonderland 

grotto and meet Father Christmas. Cost £8.50 per 

child. Online booking essential. T: 01295 753752 

Festive Family Trail 

Upton House OX15 6HT 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

12pm Get in the festive spirit, follow the 

Christmas trail and meet Father Christmas. Cost 

£4 per child. T: 01295 670266 

Christmas Gift Fair 



11am Find gifts, food and crafts that make 

ideal presents. There is also an opportunity for 

children to take part in the Christmas trail and 

visit Father Christmas. T: 01295 670266 

Santa’s Grotto 

Hilltop Garden Centre OX7 3AS 

www.hilltopgardencentre.co.uk 

10am Santa will be opening his doors to all the 

lucky children to find out what special presents 

are on their “Most Wanted” lists. Cost £7. 


Notcutts Garden Centre OX44 9PY 

www.yarntonnurseries.co.uk 

10.30am Visit Santa in his grotto and tell him 

your Christmas wishes. Free activity. 

T: 01865 372124 

Meet Santa 

Fairytale Farm OX7 5QHT 

www.fairytalefarm.co.uk 

10am Children can meet Santa in his indoor 

fairytale grotto and receive a present then join in 

with various Christmas activities. Grotto tickets 

£5.30. T: 01608 238014 

6 


Santa 

eason 

Witney Christmas Market 

Cogges Manor Farm OX28 3LA 

www.cogges.org.uk 

10am Over 60 stalls featuring local businesses, 

refreshments and Father Christmas. Grotto cost 

£5. T: 01993 772602 

3 Dec 

Wallingford Christmas Festival 

Wallingford Town Centre OX10 


To Be Confirmed Annual Christmas Festival with 

fun for all the family. Kids can visit Santa’s Grotto 

while the grown ups pick up some Christmas 

treats at the gift and food stalls, plus music 

and entertainment and the switch-on of the 

Christmas lights. 

Santa’s Reindeer 

Castle Quay Shopping Centre OX16 5UN 

www.castlequay.co.uk 

11am Come and meet the three friendly reindeer 

including a six-month-old baby reindeer. You 

can even sit in Santa’s Sleigh and have your 

photograph taken. T: 01295 256296 

8 - 11 Dec 





looking at its best. There are donkeys and deer to 

feed and Santa will be dropping into the glorious 

grotto. T: 0118 971 4002 

9 - 10 Dec 




10am Step back in time and experience a 1940s 

style Christmas Grotto. Cost £6. Booking essential. 

T: 01908 640404 


Christmas 














Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Station Rd, 

Chinnor OX39 4ER 




included. T: 01844 353535 






child. Online booking essential. 

T: 01295 753752 





Christmas trail and meet Father Christmas. Cost £4 

per child. T: 01295 670266 










10.30am Visit Santa in his grotto and tell him your 

Christmas wishes. Free activity. T: 01865 372124 


Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre GL56 9QB 

www.batsarb.co.uk 

2pm & 2.30pm Bring the children to meet Santa 

in his magical grotto at Batsford. Cost £5 per child. 

T: 01386 701441 

Meet Santa 






£5.30. T: 01608 238014 

10 Dec 

Santa’s Vintage Bus Grotto 

Oxford Bus Museum OX29 8LA 

www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk 

11.30am Games, free vintage bus rides and an 

opportunity to meet Santa. Cost £4. T: 01993 

883 617 

13 Dec 

Christmas Carols 



5.30pm Carols around the Christmas Tree. Bring 

your own lanterns. 

15 - 18 Dec 







grotto. T: 0118 971 4002 

16 Dec 

Giant Snowglobe 

Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre OX28 6GW 

www.marriottswalk.co.uk 

11am Come and take a free selfie with Santa! T: 

01993 704262 

16 - 17 Dec 


Christmas 






Don’t 

forget 

to tell them 

you saw 

it in 















included. T: 01844 353535 












Meet Santa 






£5.30. T: 01608 238014 

16 - 18 Dec 





Christmas trail and meet Father Christmas. Cost £4 

per child. T: 01295 670266 

16 - 23 Dec 




10am Step back in time and experience a 1940s 

style Christmas Grotto. Cost £6. Booking essential. 

T: 01908 640404 

16 - 23 Dec 






child. Online booking essential. T: 01295 753752 

17 Dec 

Santa’s Vintage Bus Grotto 

Oxford Bus Museum OX29 8LA 

www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk 

11.30am Games, free vintage bus rides and an 

opportunity to meet Santa. Cost £4. 

T: 01993 883 617 

Christmas at Twilight 

Caversham Nursery School RG4 5NA 

www.redkitedays.co.uk 

4pm Follow the trail to find Father Christmas and 

his animal friends. Booking is essential. Cost £7. 

T: 0118 937 5429 

fairytale grotto and receive a present then 

join in with various Christmas activities. 

Grotto tickets £5.30. T: 01608 238014 

21 Dec 







included. T: 01844 353535 

22 - 23 Dec 


Christmas 






Santa Specials 



10.25am See Father Christmas in a Grotto with a 

difference - on a steam train. T: 01296 655720 







grotto. T: 0118 971 4002 

22 - 24 Dec 

Breakfast with Santa 

Stubbings Nursery SL6 6QL 

www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk 

8.30am Santa will be handing out festive gifts 

to the children then take part in a Christmas 

storytelling session. Booking essential. 

T: 01628 825454 

23 Dec 






Giant Snowglobe 

Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre OX28 6GW 


11am Come and take a free selfie with Santa! 

T: 01993 704262 

23 - 24 Dec 













included. T: 01844 353535 

20 Dec 

Santa Specials 



10.25am See Father Christmas in a Grotto with a 

difference - on a Steam Train. T: 01296 655720 

20 - 24 Dec 

Meet Santa 




8 


Come and join The Oxford & Cambridge Singing School for some 

Christmas Carols and Festive Music on 20th and 21st December 2017 

The Oxford & Cambridge Singing School is 

delighted to be holding its Christmas course 

at Magdalen College, Oxford this Christmas. 

The Oxford & Cambridge Singing School 

was established in 2013 at Cambridge 

University by Music Director, Dr Edward 

Wickham in response to a need for quality 

holiday courses for children who love to 

sing. Each course is carefully crafted by Dr 

Wickham and his fabulous team to include 

full & small-group singing, music theory 

in the form of games and exercises, music 

history and appreciation - everything to 

stimulate and engage children aged 7-13 

interested in music. Children rave about 

its courses so they have since expanded 

to Oxford, London and now Guildford. No 

previous experience of classical singing 

is necessary and children are grouped 

according to age. Each course concludes 

with an informal concert, so what a perfect 

way to finish up some Christmas shopping 

while your young ones have some festive fun! 

For more information, see 

www.oxbridgesingingschool.co.uk 

or email oxbridgess@gmail.com 


10 


WHAT’S ON WHERE 

Until 23 Dec 

Find Santa’s Reindeer 

Waterperry Gardens OX33 1LA 

www.waterperrygardens.co.uk 

10am Help Rudolph find his friends who are lost 

all around the gardens then collect a Christmas 

prize. Cost £2 per child. T: 01844 339226 

1 Dec - 5 Jan 

The Big Batsford Elf Hunt! 

Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre GL56 9QB 

www.batsarb.co.uk 

9am Santa’s helpers have gone missing and they 

are all hiding in the Arboretum; find them to win 

a prize. Cost £2.50. T: 01386 701441 

Until 24 Dec 

Oxfordshire Artweeks Christmas Season 

Oxfordshire OX1 

www.artweeks.org 

Various Times A series of 72 art and 

craft exhibitions and fairs in varied venues 

around the county selling quality gifts and art 

for Christmas. Dates vary from venue to venue. 

Until 7 Jan 

Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition 

River and Rowing Museum RG9 1BF 

www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am The school children of Henley are 

invited to enter the Mayor’s Christmas 

Card competition, and their inspired 

Christmas creations will be on 

display at the Museum. 

T: 01491 415600 

Until 21 Jan 

The BFG in Pictures 


www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am A magical exhibition of 

Quentin Blake’s illustrations. 

T: 01491 415600 

29 Nov - 10 Dec 

Christmas at Stonor 

Stonor Park RG9 6HF 

www.stonor.com 

10am The house will be beautifully decorated for 

Christmas, just as it is for the Stonor family each 

year. T: 01491 638 587 

Don’t forget to 

say you saw it in 

Primary Times! 

If you are looking for more inspiration, 

there are many more events on our website 

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire 

30 Nov 

Didcot Christmas Street 

Fair 

Didcot OX11 

www.didcotevents.co.uk 

4pm An entertaining evening with 

fair rides, side shows, market stalls and 

refreshments. 

30 Nov - 5 Dec 

Christmas Ornaments Fair 

The Old Fire Station RG9 2AG 

www.christmasornamentsfair.co.uk 

12pm Visit this stunning exhibition 

dedicated to rare and original Christmas 

decorations. Learn why we decorate a 

tree, when and where did the tradition 

start and what were the first Christmas 

decorations made of. 

1 Dec 

Wreath Making for Families 

Earth Trust OX14 4QZ 

www.earthtrust.org.uk 

3.45pm Make a beautiful festive wreath 

for your home or to give as a gift. 

Online booking essential. 

T: 01865 407792 

1 - 24 Dec 

Henley Living Advent Calendar 

Henley RG9 

www.visitsoutheastengland.com 

6.15pm Like a children’s Advent 

Calendar, a different window 

or door is opened at 6:15pm 

promptly each evening and a 30 

minute performance is given to 

the audience assembled. 

We check 

listings carefully but 

event details and prices 

may be subject to change. 

Please always check 

with the venue. 

1 Dec - 6 Jan 

Tudor Christmas 

Greys Court RG9 4PG 


10am The Cromwellian building at Greys Court 

will be showing how a Tudor Christmas would 

have been celebrated. T: 01491 628529 

2 Dec 

Pitt Stop: Terrific Toys 

Pitt Rivers Museum OX1 3PP 

www.prm.ox.ac.uk 

1pm See toys from around the world and then 

make your own to take home. 

T: 01865 282537 

Christmas Crafts 

Abingdon County Hall Museum OX14 3HG 


10.30am & 1pm Come along and make some 

fabulous Christmas decorations. Free activity. 

T: 01235 523703 

Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza 

Abingdon Market Place OX14 3HG 


9am Christmas Market, live music, children’s 

entertainment and fireworks. 

Community Day 

Thomley HP18 9JZ 

www.thomley.org.uk 

10am For all children with or 

without a disability. Booking 

essential. T: 01844 338380 


CHRISTMAS CRACKERS 

Stagecoach 

Let your child perform 

their way into the New 

Year with Stagecoach 

Performing Arts. 

Did you know that children 

who engage in the arts are 

three times more likely to 

get a degree, 20 times 

more likely to vote in local 

and general elections and have increased 

cognitive abilities? So why wait? 

Stagecoach Performing Arts offers quality 

training in Performing Arts for children 

aged 4 – 18. Early Stages classes (4 – 6) 

run for 90 minutes and develop performing 

skills through games, plays and lots of fun. 

Main School classes (7 – 18) run for 

3 hours and focus on singing, dance 

Set sail to see Santa! 

Our Santa Cruises are back once 

again due to popular demand. The 

well renowned ‘Bertie Slippers’ 

will be adding some magic to the 

children’s entertainment this year and 

Santa will be in his grotto bearing 

gifts for all the children! These 

cruises are from £12.00 per person 

and include mulled wine for the 

adults, fruit juices for the children 

and homemade cakes and mince 

pies. 

16th and 17th December: 10.30- 

12.30, 1pm-3pm and 3.30pm- 

5.30pm. 

For magic and mince pies 

please book online early to avoid 

disappointment. 01491 572035 

www.hobbsofhenley.com 

Sailing subject to river conditions 

Christmas 

and drama with industry 

professional teachers who are 

passionate about every child, 

whether they want to become 

the next West End star or 

learn a new skill whilst making 

lifelong friends. 

Stagecoach classes are 

available in all locations in 

Oxfordshire, with classes 

running mid-week and at weekends, please 

contact your local Principal for days and 

class availability, or visit the website. 

Early Stages classes are very popular, 

with classes opening regularly across 

Oxfordshire. We are excited to be opening 

a new Early Stages class on Fridays in 

Oxford Summertown. 

www.stagecoach.co.uk/summertown 

Fairytale Farm 

At our magical ‘Christmas Fairytale’ event, 

children can meet Santa in his indoor fairytale 

grotto and receive a present, join in with 

various Christmas activities, enjoy all the 

usual Fairytale Farm attractions and see our 

enchanting Christmas lights, which are bigger 

and better for 2017. Christmas activities include 

Christmas cookie decorating, a festive-themed 

hunt and mulled wine and mince pies for the 

parents. Grotto tickets are £5.30, plus normal 

admission. Our event is on Saturdays and 

Sundays from 2 December to 17 December and 

daily 20 to 24 December. 


Snappy gift ideas from 

Crocodiles of the World 

A crocodile zoo is probably the last place 

you’d think of for finding a 

special gift, but you may be 

surprised...for animal lovers 

we’ve VIP, Adult and Junior 

Keeper Experiences, giving 

you the chance to get closer 

to crocodiles. Or perhaps you 

know someone who’d love to 

meet our Meerkats. All Experiences can be 

booked on our website. If cute and cuddly 

is what you’re after then you’ll be spoilt for 

choice at Croc Shop online. This is the only 

place online that you can buy Crocodiles of 

the World merchandise, cuddly crocs, plush 

toys and much more. Snappy Shopping! 

www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk 

www.crocshopltd.co.uk 

Your local, friendly, eating, 

drinking, entertaining 

shopping centre 

Located in the heart 

of Witney, Marriotts 

Walk boasts leading 

fashion retailers 

and big high street 

brands with easy 

access and FREE 

multi storey parking. 

Marriotts Walk regularly hosts child friendly 

entertainment and includes a multi-screen 

cinema complex featuring the latest film 

releases. Marriotts Walk has something for 

every age, taste and style HERE FOR YOU! 

Accessorize. Cineworld. Cotton Traders. 

Crew Clothing. Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins. 

Fat Face. Fresh. JoJo Maman Bebe. M&S. 

Monsoon. New Look. Phase Eight. Tog24. 

Evans/Wallis. Whittard Of Chelsea. Café 

Rouge. Caffè Nero. Frankie & Benny’s. Subway. 

Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre, Witney OX28 

6GW Tel: 01993 704262 

Email: info@marriottswalk.co.uk 


Science Oxford has a great range of festive science-themed events 

and workshops this December to entertain and educate. Watch some the 

best new performers ‘chill-out’ at our Ice Cold Cabaret (6th Dec) or make 

crackers and decorations at our very special Christmas Science workshop 

(21st Dec.) We’re also about to launch our 2018 science club programme 

so head to scienceoxford.com to find out more. 

12 


Crackers 

Festive Magic at Waterperry Gardens! 

Whilst Santa has been busy browsing around Waterperry Gardens’ Christmas and Garden 

Shops, Gallery and Gift Barn looking for lovely gifts for Mrs Claus, his reindeer seem to 

have escaped into the ornamental gardens! Help find Santa’s 

reindeer from 25th November through to 23rd December 

and collect a festive prize at the end! (£2 per child, all 

children must be accompanied by an adult for whom the 

garden entrance fee applies). Why not tie it in with visiting 

the fabulous Christmas Craft & Food Fairs too - November 

25th & 26th and December 9th & 10th. Not forgetting the 

spectacular Waterperry-grown Christmas trees which will be 

on sale from the beginning of December (bring your wellies 

and choose your own!), along with our fantastic handmade 

wreaths! www.waterperrygardens.co.uk 

Christmas Science at the 

Museum of Oxford 

We’ve teamed up with Science Oxford these school holidays to 

bring you some festive family workshops at the Museum of Oxford 

on Thursday, 21st December. The festive season is upon us but 

Santa has lost his presents! Join the Science Oxford team as 

they celebrate the chemistry of Christmas and help Santa out. 

Children will create their own snow and festive decorations as part 

of this hands-on workshop. Booking essential! 

Booking is through www.scienceoxford.com. Tickets are £7 per 

child (ages 4-9). Sessions are from 11am-11.45am, 12pm-12.45pm 

and 2pm-2.45pm at the Old Museum. 

Join us at the River & Rowing Museum this Yuletide 

season for a Big Friendly Christmas! Our Christmas family day on 

Weds 20 Dec will be bursting with festive fun activities for all the 

family. Create colourful concertina cards and sparkly gift pots to 

fill with special treats. Discover giants in literature with our magical 

seasonal gallery trail, join in the carol singing and add your wishes 

to our Christmas jar. Make a Christmas tree topper for the top of 

your tree and giant elf ears to hear Santa’s sleigh. And don’t forget 

to wear your best Christmas jumper to win a prize! With Christmas 

workshops, carol singing and delicious seasonal treats in the café, 

the River & Rowing Museum will be the biggest friendliest place to 

be this December! Full details online at: rrm.co.uk 

Jingle’s Magic Sleigh 

1 December 2017 – 7 January 2018 

This Christmas The Story Museum are excited to present Jingle’s Magic 

Sleigh, a festive family show packed full of stories and song. Belle 

Rochester – Jingle to her friends – has very special job to do. She’s 

keeper of tales at The Story Museum, collector of wishes and now has a 

new task. When Jingle first meets Santa Claus, it’s Christmas Eve and he’s 

refusing to get out of bed. Feeling unloved and unappreciated, he has just 

one wish... Come and hear what stories and songs Jingle gives Santa to 

cheer him up and get him back to his Christmas post! 

Tickets at www.storymuseum.org.uk or by calling 01865 807600 

Christmas is coming to 

Castle Quay Shopping Centre 

1 December 2017 – 7 January 2018 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at 

Castle Quay Shopping Centre. 

From Saturday 2nd December, families 

can come and meet Father Christmas in his 

very special winter wonderland Grotto at 

the Banbury Museum. As well as meeting 

Santa, each child will receive a lovely gift, a 

personalised Christmas activity pack and a 

very special Santa Museum Trail. Booking is 

essential and is £8.50 per child. For dates 

and booking visit www.banburymuseum.org. 

Then, before their big Christmas 

adventure begins, Santa’s reindeer will also 

be stopping off at Castle Quay in Banbury. 

On Sunday 3rd December from 11am to 

4pm, shoppers can come and meet three 

friendly reindeer and even sit in Santa’s 

sleigh. Plus there will be free face painting 

throughout the day. The reindeer will be 

located outside the Cherwell entrance to 

Castle Quay. 

Other 

free family 

fun this 

Christmas 

includes a 

visit from 

Bjorn, the 

animatronic 

Polar Bear, 

who will be 

joined by 

his handler 

for magical 

interactive performances between 5pm 

and 8pm on Thursday 7th December and a 

Giant Snowglobe on Sunday 10th December 

from 11am to 4pm. 

For more information about Christmas at 

Castle Quay Shopping Centre, visit 

www.castlequay.co.uk. 

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS 


what's on where 

7 Dec 

Hands on at Henley Library 

Henley Library RG9 2DH 

www.rrm.co.uk 

4pm Join the River and Rowing Museum for 

themed object handling, fun craft and stories for 

all the family. Booking essential. T: 01865 815278 

Get up Close to the Polar Bear 



5pm Come and see the animatronic polar bear 

for a magical interactive performance with his 

handler. T: 01295 256296 

10 Dec 

Step Inside the Giant Snowglobe 



11am Create lasting Christmas memories with 

a photograph inside the Giant Snowglobe. 

T: 01295 256296 

13 Dec 

Christmas Carols 



5.30pm Carols around the Christmas Tree. 

Bring your own lanterns. 

Science Saturdays 

Museum of Natural History OX1 3PW 

www.oum.ox.ac.uk 

2pm Come and investigate real natural history 

specimens with university scientists. Suitable for 

families with children ages 8+ years. 

T: 01865 282537 

Science Saturday 

The Yang Science Centre OX14 1BQ 

www.scienceoxford.com 

9.45am & 11.30am Step aboard our 

fantastic flight workshop to explore 

the science of flying. Suitable for ages 

5-9 years. Cost £8 per child. Booking essential. 

Burford Market 

Upton Downs Farm OX18 4LY 

www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org 

10am Diverse market with 49 stall holders 

including food and drink, arts, crafts, jewellery, 

clothing, textiles, candles, homeware & gifts and 

dog products. 

Christmas Cracker 

Jubilee Hall Lewknor OX49 5TL 

www.facebook.com/bluecrosslewknor 

11am Come along to soak up some Christmas 

cheer, pick up a few pressies and enjoy the 

festivities. T: 0300 777 1500 

2 - 3 Dec 

Christmas Trail 

Cliveden SL6 0JA www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

10.30am You’re invited to Angel Academy, the 

place where angels train. Learn how to fly, 

perfect your magic and complete tasks in order to 

graduate. Cost £5. T: 01628 605069 

Jeep Jump Jive 

Bletchley Park MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk 

9.30am Have yourself a fabulous festive time as 

we bring you a weekend of music and re-enacting 

groups. T: 01908 640404 

Botanic Garden Christmas Fair 

Botanic Gardens OX1 4AZ 

www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk 

10am Discover a wonderland of 

hand-picked gifts, artisan foods and family 

entertainment. Adults £5, children free. 

T: 01865 286690 

3 Dec 

Dahliciously Dreamy Pillowcases 

Roald Dahl Museum HP16 0AL 

www.roalddahl.com 

12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm Find out more about 

dreams and wishes, then decorate your own 

pillowcase with your favourite dream. Cost 

£3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking 

essential. T: 01494 892192 

Santa’s Reindeer 



11am Come and meet the three friendly 

reindeer including a six-month-old baby 

reindeer. You can even sit in Santa’s Sleigh 

and have your photograph taken. 

T: 01295 256296 

Wallingford Santa Dash 

Wallingford School OX10 8HH 


11.30am Run, walk or sleigh ride your way 

on 3km run from Wallingford School to the 

Market Place. 

4 Dec 

Living Advent Calendar 


www.rrm.co.uk 

6pm A perfect festive treat for all the 

family, with live music and a Christmas 

visit by Mr Toad. Free with admission. 

T: 01491 415600 

8 Dec 

Carols by Candlelight 



6.30pm Traditional carol singing with band, 

festive readings and poems. T: 01993 772602 

Wreath Making for Families 



3.45pm Make a beautiful festive wreath for 

your home or to give as a gift. Online booking 

essential. T: 01865 407792 

8 - 9 Dec 

Christmas at Cogges 



3pm The Manor House and walled garden will be 

beautifully decorated, with hidden surprises to be 

discovered by torchlight. T: 01993 772602 

9 Dec 

Christmas Creations 

Botanic Gardens OX1 4AZ 

www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk 

11am Spend a festive and creative morning 

making Christmas decorations from natural 

materials. T: 01865 286690 

Stars and Planets 

Museum of the History of Science OX1 3AZ 

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk 

2pm Follow your stars, make an amazing star dial 

or paper plate planetarium. T: 01865 277280 

Saturday Ashventures: Nativity 

Ashmolean OX1 2PH www.ashmolean.org 

2pm & 3.15pm Stories, gallery hunts, games, 

object handling & crafts. T: 01865 278000 

Christmas Coding with Scratch 

The Discovery Zone OX1 1BY 


10am & 12.30pm Young Coders show off their 

Scratch programming skills while getting creative 

at our festive coding workshop. Suitable for ages 

9-12 years. Cost £8 per child. Online booking 

essential. 

Comics Club 

The Story Museum OX1 1BP 

www.storymuseum.org.uk 

11am & 12.30pm Develop your comic-making 

skills and share ideas with like-minded 

enthusiasts. Awesome comic artist Neill Cameron 

will be on hand to offer helpful advice and tips. 

Suitable for ages 8-12 years. Cost £7. Booking 

essential. T: 01865 807600 

Family Day 

Thomley HP18 9JZ www.thomley.org.uk 

10am For children with a disability, their family 

and friends. Booking essential. T: 01844 338380 

9 - 10 Dec 


Cliveden SL6 0JA 


10.30am You’re invited to Angel Academy, the 

place where angels train. Learn how to fly, 

perfect your magic and complete tasks in order to 

graduate. Cost £5. T: 01628 605069 

15 - 16 Dec 




3pm The Manor House and walled garden 

will be beautifully decorated, with hidden 

surprises to be discovered by torchlight. 

T: 01993 772602 

16 Dec 

Carol Evening 




7pm All are welcome to come along and join 

in the singing on board. Children can travel 

for only £1. T: 01844 353535 

Saturday Ashventures: Nativity 

Ashmolean OX1 2PH 

www.ashmolean.org 

2pm & 3.15pm Stories, gallery hunts, games, 

object handling & crafts. T: 01865 278000 

Wantage Lego Club 

Vale & Downland Museum OX12 8BL 

www.wantage-museum.com 

9.30am Free Lego Club suitable for all ages. 

T: 01235 771447 

Family Workshop: Get Tangled 

Modern Art Oxford OX1 1BP 

www.modernartoxford.org.uk 

11am Oxford Down Breed society member 

Marie French brings two rare sheep into the 

gallery for this hands-on family workshop. 

You will have the opportunity to pet the 

sheep and learn about native sheep breeds. 

Free event, booking recommended. 

T: 01865 722733 

Wonderful Weather 

The Discovery Zone OX1 1BY 


10am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm Your minimeteorologists 

will explore the science of 

rain, clouds and snow through fun, hands-on 

activities before creating their very own 

‘water-cycle in a bag’ to take home. Suitable 

for ages 5-9 years. Cost £8 per child. Online 

booking essential. 

Farmers Market 

Chipping Norton OX7 5NA 


8.30am Stalls with delicious, fresh, locally 

produced, seasonal food. 

Thomley Christmas Party 



10am For children with a disability, their 

family and friends. Booking essential. 

T: 01844 338380 

16 - 17 Dec 




10.30am You’re invited to Angel Academy, 

the place where angels train. Learn how to 

fly, perfect your magic and complete tasks in 

order to graduate. Cost £5. T: 01628 605069 

14 


17 Dec 

Make a Magical Concoction 



12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm Fun family workshop. 

Decide on the power for your own magical 

mixture and make a fun version to take 

home. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 

4+. Booking essential. T: 01494 892192 

19 Dec - 2 Jan 

12 Days of Christmas 

Museum of Natural History OX1 3PW 

www.oum.ox.ac.uk 

10am On the first day of Christmas the 

museums gave to me...an exciting festive 

trail! Self-guided trail available during 

open hours. 

20 Dec 

The Big Friendly Christmas 


www.rrm.co.uk 

10.30am Festive arts & crafts, magical gallery 

train and carol singing. Prize for the best 

Christmas jumper. T: 01491 415600 

Family Open Afternoon 

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum OX20 1SN 

www.sofo.org.uk 

2pm Come and enjoy a family friendly session 

and make some Christmas decorations. Cost 

£2 per child. T: 01993 810214 

23 Dec 

Family Day 





T: 01844 338380 

27 Dec 

Dahliciously Dreamy Pillowcases 




dreams and wishes, then decorate your own 

pillowcase with your favourite dream. Cost 

£3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking 

essential. T: 01494 892192 

27 - 28 Dec 

Family Day 





28 Dec 

Transforming Tortoises 



12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm Re-create Mr Hoppy’s 

attempts to make Mrs Silver’s tortoise dreams 

come true! Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 


Calm little sore throats with throaty soothe 

Sore throats are not fun and can impact children’s (and parents) 

eating, sleeping and moods. Thankfully, there is a new sore throat 

treatment range for children, Throaty Soothe, which combines 

natural ingredients, free from artificial colours and provides parents 

and carers with a safe and effective option to help treat sore throats 

and dry and productive coughs. 

Sugar free, Throaty Soothe syrup, can be used from 12 months 

and contains Icelandic moss and mallow in a cherry 

flavoured syrup. Available in a strawberry 

flavour, Throaty Soothe lozenges, for 

children aged 4 years and older contains 

Icelandic moss and calcium pantothenate. 

Calcium pantothenate supports the 

soothing effect of Icelandic moss. 

www.throatysoothe.co.uk 

WHAT’S ON WHERE 

20 - 23 Dec 




10.30am You’re invited to Angel Academy, 

the place where angels train. Learn how to 

fly, perfect your magic and complete tasks in 

order to graduate. Cost £5. T: 01628 605069 

Mince Pie Specials 




10.30am Sit back, relax and enjoy the views 

with a complimentary drink and mince pie. Two 

children can travel for £1 when accompanied by 

an adult. T: 01844 353535 

21 Dec 

Let’s Get Crafty 

Vale & Downland Museum OX12 8BL 

www.wantage-museum.com 

10am Fun and festive family craft session. 

T: 01235 771447 

Christmas Science 

Museum of Oxford OX1 1BX 


11am, 12pm & 2pm Join the Science 

Oxford team as they celebrate the 

chemistry of Christmas and help Santa 

out. Children will create their own snow 

and festive decorations as part of this 

hands-on workshop. Cost £7. Suitable 

for ages 4-7 years. Online booking 

essential. 

Curtain Up at Christmas 

The Story Museum OX1 1BP 


10am Enjoy a day of creative fun, exploring 

the exhibitions, watching our Christmas 

Show, Jingle’s Magic Sleigh, before going 

behind the scenes and joining a storytelling 

workshop to create your own winter story. 

Suitable for ages 8-12 years. Booking 

essential 

22 Dec 


Witney OX28 6AG 




22 - 23 Dec 




3pm The Manor House and walled garden 

will be beautifully decorated, with hidden 

surprises to be discovered by torchlight. 

T: 01993 772602 

29 Dec 

Matilda’s Magical Eyes 




Roald Dahl’s ideas for Matilda’s eye power and 

what it could do, then make magical glasses 

and colourful kaleidoscopes to focus your eye 

power. Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 


Community Day 



10am For all children with or without a 

disability. Booking essential. T: 01844 338380 

30 Dec 

Dahl-ightful Dream Catchers 




Make your dreams sweet as we make Dream 

Catchers for your bedtime. Cost £3 per person. 

Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

30 - 31 Dec 

Mince Pie Specials 

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway 

Station Rd, Chinnor OX39 4ER 


10.30am Sit back, relax and enjoy the views 

with a complimentary drink and mince pie. Two 

children can travel for £1 when accompanied by 

an adult. T: 01844 353535 

31 Dec 

Magic and Fun with Auntie Julie 



12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm Enjoy some New Year’s 

Eve family magic at the Museum. Cost £3 per 

person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. 

T: 01494 892192 

1 Jan 

New Years Day Trip 

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway 

Station Rd, Chinnor OX39 4ER 


10.30am Enjoy complimentary drinks and 

mince pie whilst taking a trip along the Chiltern 

foothills. Children travel for £1. T: 01844 353535 

New Year’s Day Walk 

Upton House OX15 6HT www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

10am & 1pm Start your new year with our guided 

walk around the Upton estate, enjoy a refreshing 

and stimulating couple of hours with our expert 

tour guide and walk off those Christmas mince 

pies! Cost £5. Booking advisable. T: 0344 249 1895 

2 Jan 

Make a Magical Concoction 




Decide on the power for your own magical 

mixture and make a fun version to take home. 

Cost £3 per person. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking 

essential. T: 01494 892192 

Family Day 




3 Jan 

Community Day 


10am For all children with or without a disability. 

Booking essential. T: 01844 338380 

6 Jan 

Community Day 


10am For all children with or without a disability. 

Booking essential. T: 01844 338380 

New Theatre Backstage Tour 

New Theatre OX1 2AG 

www.atgtickets.com 

10.30am An exciting way to see the theatre 

from a truly unique perspective. 

T: 0844 871 3020 

13 Jan 

Dungeons and Dragons 

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum OX20 1SN 

www.sofo.org.uk 

1pm Step back in time for Medieval mayhem. 

Suitable for ages 6-9 years. Booking essential. 

T: 01993 810214 

Family Day 




T: 01844 338380 

20 Jan 


Chipping Norton OX7 5NA 




Family Day 





T: 01844 338380 

28 Jan 

Winter Wetland Birds 



9.30am l learn more about the birds of Thrupp 

Lake and their habitats. Cost £6 adults, £3 

children. Online booking essential. 

T: 01865 407792 


EDUCATION 

An ancient 

Mediterranean diet 

Nowadays the Mediterranean 

diet often makes the news 

and it’s widely accepted that 

eating all those good fats from 

olives and oily fish boost your brain 

big-time. 

But guess what? 

The Mediterranean diet has 

always been good for us – except 

that I’m not talking about feta 

cheese and salad in the sunshine 

here. I’m talking about the 

Classics, those much older gifts 

from Greece and Italy that have 

always built better cognitive health 

and are guaranteed to boost 

children for life. 

Of course, primary school children 

already have a taste of these: the 

opportunity to learn about Ancient 

Greece and Rome, discovering 

how the Greeks gave us 

democracy, the Olympics, 

breathtaking architecture, drama 

and the Iliad, whilst the Romans 

thumped their sandals all over the 

globe, sharing brick houses, roads, 

central heating, sanitation, 

irrigation, writing and Christianity. 

But, to paraphrase Monty Python’s 

question, “What have the Romans 

(and Greeks) ever done for us?” 

Those ancient civilisations are far 

more than a tick list of what they 

left behind. 

Classics comprise learning Latin 

and Ancient Greek, studying 

ancient civilisations and ancient 

history. All of these can be 

accessed at primary and 

secondary school level. Better still 

with the growth of organisations 

such as Classics For All, there is 

funding available and access to 

teaching skills and subject 

frameworks too. 

But schools are overstretched 

already, aren’t they, so why should 

yours consider Classics? And 

besides, isn’t it all a bit snooty, 

the hallmark of an elite education? 

In a word: no. You see, Latin is 

now taught in more state schools 

than private ones. And it, together 

with Classics’ other doctrines, can 

set children up as thinkers and 

doers for life. 

Latin forms the bedrock of much of 

the English language, and when 

studied as a foreign language it 

opens the door to a masterful 

command of grammar and an 

enviable fluency of written and 

spoken language. Ancient Greek is 

intrinsic in our language too, and to 

anyone who says otherwise, I 

would simply say, 

“Hippopotamus*”! Studying ancient 

civilisations and history builds 

children’s critical thinking, their 

ability to build an argument, their 

lateral and logical thinking. But 

infusing all those good things, like 

beautifully mixed oil and vinegar 

dressing drizzled over salad, is 

something even tastier: the 

Classics nurture imagination like no 

other discipline. 

“Imagination”, said Lewis Carroll 

(who, incidentally, had a degree in 

Classics) “is the only weapon in the 

war against reality”. Whilst Albert 

Einstein (who didn’t) concluded, 

“Imagination is more important 

than knowledge. Knowledge is 

limited. Imagination encircles the 

world.” And, let’s face it, in an era 

where our recent reality has sprung 

some truly appalling surprises, 

imagination has never been more 

important: the imagination to come 

up with new solutions, the 

imagination to persuade people 

that there are better ways to live 

and, most humanely, the 

imagination to wonder what it’s like 

to actually be someone else. 

Empathy flourishes when children 

consider what life as an Ancient 

Greek slave must have been like. 

Or a Roman emperor, plotted 

against by his friends. What did a 

ten-year old Spartan boy think 

about his lot as a soldier? Or an 

Ancient Briton whose town was 

invaded by the Roman army? 

Being immersed in different ways 

of lives and unfamiliar values 

develops an empathy that last a 

lifetime. And I, for one, can’t think 

of anything more important for 

youngsters, whether in an 

educational context or out of it. 

Through their ideas, military 

conquests and societies, the 

Greeks and Romans established 

the framework of the Western 

world, from the governments that 

rule it today to the coins that are 

spent each day in our shops. But it 

is through their stories, thinking 

and thinkers that they informed our 

understanding of what it means to 

be human. The first story in 

Western literature is Homer’s Iliad 

– on the face of it a tale of the 

Trojan War. But it’s the story’s take 

on jealousy, wrath, glory, love, fury 

and futility that draw the modern 

reader. Anyone who experiences it 

cannot help but take sides – the 

noble Hector versus the 

vainglorious Achilles – conflict, as 

fresh and relevant as the day it was 

written down, mixed with tragedy, 

bloodshed and immortality. The 

Romans left a legacy of conquests 

and a cast of real-life characters 

with jaw-dropping stories, such as 

Caligula, who threatened to make 

his horse consul, or Livia, 

rumoured to have poisoned her 

husband with figs to stop him from 

denying her son’s right to become 

emperor. 

Beyond primary and secondary 

school, a degree in Classics leads 

to a surprising number of career 

opportunities. Whilst not a 

vocational degree – unless you 

count academia and archaeology 

– graduates thrive in journalism, 

law, politics, art, theatre, writing, 

computer gaming – and most other 

things besides. Mark Zuckerberg, 

Chris Martin and J K Rowling are 

all proof of the remarkable 

outcomes of studying Classics. 

But, for me, this ancient 

Mediterranean diet is far more 

nourishing. With its heady mix of 

history, myth and magic, it 

captures children’s interest early 

and leads them to become 

creative, empathetic thinkers with 

an internalised sense of justice, 

equality and responsibility. And, for 

me, that’s what makes it one of the 

most important and life-affirming 

subjects we can offer our 

youngsters. 

* Hippopotamus: from the Greek 

hippos meaning horse and 

potamos meaning river, so literally 

a ‘river horse’. 

Julia Wills brings the Classics to life 

with her books ‘Fleeced!’ and 

‘Rampage!’ 

16 


www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire | WINTER Issue Primary Times 17 

EDUCATION

EDUCATION 

Brain4Maths 

Brain4Maths is a project run by University of Oxford’s scientists 

investigating how the brain supports maths in children and young 

adults. The study involves a safe brain scan using an MRI scanner to 

collect brain images and a session involving a series of puzzles. We are 

currently recruiting children aged 6, 10 and 14, and A-Level students 

in their first year. Children receive a voucher and a Brain Art certificate 

to say thank you for taking part. Parents will also be compensated for 

their time. To know more contact Laura at brain4maths@gmail.com 

or 07464 755 010. CUREC REF: MS-IDREC-C2-2015-016 

Ensure your child’s new school 

year gets off to a confident start 

with Kumon 

It is common that most children start their new school 

term with fresh notebooks and a crisp new uniform, 

but it is just as important to ensure they are equipped 

with the most vital tools needed for going back to 

school; a good grip on the core subjects of maths 

and English and the learning skills vital for academic 

progression. 

At your local Henley-on-Thames Study Centre, 

Kumon offers individualised maths and English 

study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. 

Established for almost 60 years, the Kumon 

programmes enable children to develop their 

independent study skills and confidently tackle 

advanced work beyond the international standard for 

their age. 

Through the maths and English programmes, Kumon 

will nurture your child’s independent study skills, 

so they can apply this approach to all subjects and 

outside of school too. Each student follows their 

own path of study; they begin at their individually set 

starting point and move through the levels at their 

own pace. 

For more information, or to book a free assessment, 

contact Dawn Willoughby on 07814 722830 or 

email henleyonthames@kumoncentre.co.uk. 

18 


BoxOffice 

Your family theatre guide... 

0231512 

0231513 

TICKET 

TICKET 

BOX OFFICE 

Burton Taylor Studio 

OX1 2LW 

Box Office: 01865 305305 

www.oxfordplayhouse.com 

7 Dec - 7 Jan 

A New Coat for Christmas 

Various Times: Snowflakes are falling and 

Anna needs a coat to keep her warm and 

snug. But times are hard, so Anna and 

Mummy set out to make a new coat – with a 

little help from their friends. 

Chinnor Village Hall 

OX39 4PQ 

www.chinnorvillagehall.com 

Didcot Civic Hall OX11 7HN 

Box Office: 01235 512436 

www.didcotcivichall.co.uk 

19 Jan - 20 Jan 

Red Riding Hood Goes Out West 

Red Riding Hood, an independent-minded 

English girl, arrives in the town of Not 

Very Big Boulder to save Grandma from 

the outlaw, Bad Bart, and his incompetent 

sidekick, Brains. 

Drayton Village Hall 

OX14 4LF 

Box Office: 01953 600 563 

www.ents24.com 

New Theatre OX1 2AG 

Box Office: 0844 871 3020 

www.atgtickets.com 

9 Dec - 10 Dec 

Amongst the Stars 

Various Times: Something very precious 

has disappeared; without it things are 

not quite right, things don’t happen the 

way they should. 


War Horse 

2.30pm & 7.30pm War Horse is an 

unforgettable theatrical event which takes 

audiences on an extraordinary journey 

from the fields of rural Devon to the 

trenches of First World War France. 

16 Dec - 23 Dec 

Amongst the Stars 

Various Times: Something very precious 

has disappeared; without it things are 

not quite right, things don’t happen the 

way they should. 

8 Jan 

Snow Maiden 

7.30pm Based on a traditional folktale, 

set in the snow covered 

landscape of rural Russia, this 

seasonal sparkler follows the Snow 

Maiden as she dances into the 

human world. 

9 Jan - 10 Jan 

Nutcracker 

2.30pm & 7.30pm Be swept away to a 

fairy-tale world where nothing is quite 

as it seems. Toy dolls spring to life, 

the Mouse-King and his Mouse-Army 

battle with the Nutcracker Prince and 

travel through the Land of Snow to an 

enchanted place where the magic 

really begins. 

24 Jan - 25 Jan 

Peppa Pig’s Adventure 

10am, 1pm & 4pm Join Peppa as she gets 

ready to go on an exciting camping trip 

to the woods with her school friends. 

24 Jan - 26 Jan 

Beauty and the Beast 

Traditional pantomime performed by Chinnor 

Players. 

Cornerstone Arts Centre 

OX11 7NE 

Box Office: 01235 515144 

www.cornerstone-arts.org 


The Nutcracker and the Mouse 

King 

Various Times: The world of the Nutcracker 

and the Mouse King is vividly brought to life 

with new songs and music, performed live by 

actor musicians. 

14 Jan 

Ugly Duckling 

11.30am & 2.30pm Meet the most unusual 

duckling the pond has ever seen. 

10 Dec 

Puss in Boots 

2.30pm & 7.30pm Swindled out of 

his rightful inheritance by his older 

brothers, Peter is left with only a 

handful of coins and the old mill cat. 

However, the fairies work their magic 

and transform the cat into a walking, 

talking ‘Puss in Boots’! 

Kennington Village 

Centre OX1 5PG 

Box Office: 01865 739025 

www.kenningtonads.org.uk 

19 Jan - 27 Jan 

Beauty and the Beast 

A handsome, but selfish, Prince is 

cursed by an evil fairy and is certain to 

spend the rest of his life as a hideous 

and lonely Beast. Only true love can 

break the spell. 


BOX OFFICE 

BoxOffice 

North Wall Arts Centre 

OX2 7JN 

Box Office: 01865 319450 

www.thenorthwall.com 

2 Dec - 6 Jan 

A Christmas Carol 

Various Times: With misers, music, 

Marley’s ghost and all sorts of Creation 

twists, this is a show unlike any other. 

27 Jan 

Penguin 

11am & 2pm An exciting and surreal show 

full of surprises. 

Oxford Playhouse 

OX1 2LW 

Box Office: 01865 305305 

www.oxfordplayhouse.com 

Until - 7 Jan 

Jack and the Beanstalk 

Performances at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 4pm, 

6pm & 7pm Join Jack on the adventure of 

a lifetime as he outwits the giant and is 

reunited with his childhood sweetheart Jill... 

all with a little help from his friends. 

Pegasus Theatre OX4 1RE 

Box Office: 01865 812150 

www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 

2 Dec 

Puppets Go Wild: The Abominable 

Snowman 

2pm & 4pm A wintery, wondrous show for all 

the family, filled with songs, puppetry and 

joining in! 


Morgan and West: A Christmas 

Carol Magic Show! 

Various Times: The world’s most 

distinguished duo of time-travelling 

magicians, Morgan & West, present Charles 

Dickens’ timeless classic combined with a 

magic show! 

Thame Players Theatre 

OX9 2DP 

Box Office: 01844 212012 

www.thameplayers.co.uk 


Cinderella 

The universally appealing story of a kindhearted, 

beautiful girl who is mistreated 

and then falls in love with the perfect Prince 

Charming. 

The Beacon Wantage 

OX12 9BX 

Box Office: 01235 763456 

www.beaconwantage.co.uk 

21 Dec - 23 Dec 

Dick Whittington 

1pm & 4pm A traditional pantomime 

packed with songs, slapstick, silliness, 

breath-taking special effects, audience 

participation and fairytale magic. 

The Kenton Theatre 

RG9 2BP 

Box Office: 01491 575698 

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 

3 Dec 

Nutcracker 

1pm & 3pm With dazzling dancing, all 

the famous characters and sumptuous 

music, this shortened version is a perfect 

treat for the whole family. 

10 Dec 

A Christmas Tale 

3pm & 7.30pm A tale of ordinary folk living 

through the extraordinary events of one 

Christmas Eve. 

15 Dec - 28 Dec 

Robin Hood 

Various Times: Watch as Robin fights 

to restore justice for the people of 

Sherwood, win the heart of the 

beautiful Maid Marion and rid the 

land from the avaricious Sheriff of 

Nottingham once and for all. 


Cinderella 

Various Times: Poor Cinderella needs all 

the help she can get to overcome her 

horrendous step sisters. 

The Mill Arts Centre 

OX16 5QE 

Box Office: 01295 279002 

www.creationtheatre.co.uk 


The Wind in the Willows 

Various Times: Warm your feet by the 

fire, toast yourself a crumpet and let us 

thrill you with the daring adventures of 

Mr Toad, brought to life with music, fun 

and laughter. 

The Story Museum 

OX1 1BP 

Box Office: 01865 807600 


1 Dec - 7 Jan 

Jingle’s Magic Sleigh 

10.30am Come and hear what stories and 

songs Jingle gives Santa to cheer him and get 

him back to his Christmas post. 

27 Jan - 28 Jan 

Cinderella Green: 

The Recycling Queen 

2pm A puppet play about rubbish, recycling 

and romance. 

The Theatre Chipping 

Norton OX7 5NL 

Box Office: 01608 642350 

www.chippingnortontheatre.com 

14 Nov - 14 Jan 

Sleeping Beauty 

Various Times: Heaps of jokes, oodles of 

fantastic original tunes and a good dash 

of British History combine to make this a 

Sleeping Beauty like no other. 

3 Dec 

Grandma Claus 

2.30pm & 5pm It has been at least two 

decades since Grandma Claus last saw 

her grandson Santa and she lives in hope 

that this year might be the one he decides 

to come to call. 

20 Jan 

Hare and Tortoise 

2.30pm A funny, tender, award-winning 

adaptation of the well-loved story in a 

production brimming with music, 

movement & colour. 

Unicorn Theatre 

OX14 3JB 

Box Office: 0845 4636638 

www.abingdonabbey-unicorntheatre. 

org.uk 

12 Jan - 20 Jan 

Aladdin 

2.30pm & 7.30pm Traditional pantomime 

for the whole family. 

20 


Peppa Pig and friends are back in the brand new live 

show Peppa Pig’s Adventure! 

Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the 

woods with her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and 

Gerald Giraffe. With lunch-boxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the 

bus, Peppa 

and friends 

are excited 

about their 

outdoor 

adventure, 

full of games, 

laughter and 

live music! 

THE SNOW 

MAIDEN 

The Russian 

State Ballet of 

Siberia returns 

to the New 

Theatre Oxford 

in January. Set 

in snowy rural 

Russia, The 

Snow Maiden is a seasonal sparkler. Captivated by the colourful 

human world, the Snow Maiden ventures too far and is swept 

up by love, temptation and betrayal. The Nutcracker begins as 

midnight strikes on Christmas Eve. Be swept away to a fairytale 

world and travel through the Land of Snow to a place where the 

magic begins. 


Where do ghosts go for a 

Christmas Treat? 

The Phantomime 

(Molly, age 11) 

How do monkeys 

make toast? 

The put some bread 

under the gorilla 

(Annabel, aged 8) 

Why can’t a bicycle 

stand up? 

Because it’s so tired 

(Ehsan) 

What is a dog’s 

favourite carol? 

Bark, the herald 

angels sing. 

(Francis, aged 9) 

Send jokes to: 

Primary Times 

Oxfordshire 

Schools Publishing Limited 

Unit 1A Thamesview 

Industrial Estate, Newtown 

Road, Henley on Thames 

RG9 1HG

win! 

To enter these competitions please go to... 

www.primarytimes.net/oxfordshire/competitions 

or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/primarytimesoxfordshire 

Please like us on facebook 

COMPETITIONS 

For a cracker of a Christmas show, 

head to Cornerstone this Christmas! 

Cornerstone, in association 

with Goblin Theatre, present 

The Nutcracker and the Mouse 

King this Christmas. Staring 40 

young people from Didcot and 

the surrounding villages with 

a professional cast of 5 actor 

musicians, 39 shows of the classic 

Christmas tale will take to the 

Cornerstone stage this December. 

The 234 seated auditorium will be transformed into a children’s toy shop which is set 

to wow families. 

When Maria and her family turn up at a dusty old toy shop on Christmas Eve, full of 

raggedy old toys and a mysterious toy-maker, they’d rather be anywhere else. But 

all is not as it seems- when everyone goes to bed the toys in the shop burst into life 

with music, singing and dancing. Maria meets the Nutcracker, a toy who has been 

cursed by the evil Mouse King. Together they must find a way to lift the curse and 

save Christmas for everyone. 

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King runs 8-30 December. 

Book online at cornerstone-arts.org or call box office on 01235 515144 

For your chance to win a family ticket to see The Nutcracker and the Mouse King at 

Cornerstone this Christmas, answer the following question: 

Q) Which Arts Centre is The Nutcracker and the Mouse King being performed at 

this Christmas? 

Closing date: 18th December 2017 

WIN! a £40 toy bundle from 

The Entertainer at Castle Quay 

Shopping Centre 

At The Entertainer in Castle Quay Shopping 

Centre, Banbury there’s not much they 

don’t know about toys. 

In fact, with over 35 years of experience 

selling the best toys and games, they’ve 

developed into quite the experts. 

And with brands including Marvel, Little 

Tikes, Disney, Paw Patrol, Lego and many 

more, The Entertainer is the one stop shop this Christmas. 

This Christmas, The Entertainer are giving away a £40 prize to one lucky winner, for 

your chance to win, simply tell us: 

What is the name of Santa’s Reindeer who has a bright shiny red nose? 

Closing date: Monday 18th December 2017 

T&Cs: Prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. Prize is a 

Bunchems Jumbo Pack and six single Play Doh pots. Prize will need to be collected 

from The Entertainer store at Castle Quay Shopping Centre. Banbury. 

Holly Zheng, aged 6 

Christmas card 

Competition Winners! 

Every year Primary Times asks children to create the picture for our 

Christmas Card. This year we received a sack full of wonderful entries and 

we would like to thank you all for taking the time to draw, colour, paint and 

glitter your designs for us! 

The overall winner of the competition is Holly Zheng’s, aged 6 from 

Garnetbank Primary School in Glasgow who will receive 50 Christmas cards 

made up in her design of Santa next to a Christmas Tree. 

We were so overwhelmed by the standard of entries that we have also 

decided to award two runner up prizes who will also receive 50 copies of 

their designs made into cards, they were: Sahaib Parvez, aged 10 from 

Cambuslang, Glasgow and Florence Holt, aged 6 from Radley Primary 

School, Abingdon. 

Everyone that entered was a winner. 

Sahaib Parvez, 

aged 10 

Florence Holt, 

aged 6

Primary Times Oxfordshire Winter 2017

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