Warwickshire lo res proof

With the weather finally warming up,
children and families across the country
will want to make the most of nature and
the great outdoors, so why not get out
and help save the UK’s bees? Friends of
the Earth is inviting
everyone to
join the fight
to protect
nature,
by taking
part in
the Great
British
Bee Count
between 17
May and 30
June 2018. By
downloading the free, fun and easytouse
app you can identify and learn
about the precious pollinators that visit
our gardens, parks and countryside.
Participants can record each species
of bee they spot - and even send
in photos. Register now at www.
greatbritishbeecount.co.uk.
Suitable for all ages, the Great British
Bee Count, which is sponsored by
Ecotalk and supported by Buglife, is the
perfect way for children to get out there
and learn all about the amazing bees
that can be found throughout the UK.
Discover more about their incredible
diversity, the threats they face and what
we can all do to help them.
Fun fact: Did you know that
‘Dumbledore’ is Cornish for bumblebee?
From the Shetlands to the Isles of Scilly,
over 16,000 people took part in Great
British Bee Count 2017 – recording over
300,000 bees. This year could be even
better.
Some Simple
Projects to Help
Bees
Make a bee hotel: With just a plastic
bottle and some basic craft supplies,
you’ll be able to give bees somewhere
to live, sleep and eat. Read the tutorial at
www.friendsoftheearth.uk/bees
Grow pollen and nectar-rich
plants: Different bee species prefer
different flower shapes, so aim for a
range from tubular-shaped flowers to
open-headed flowers. As well as flowers,
try shrubs, herbs, trees, fruit and veg.
Spring and autumn flowering bulbs are
also great.
Growing sunflowers: Encourage
children to look after their own plant.
The sunflowers could be planted along
the edge of a playground or children
could take them home to encourage
bees in their own garden.
No garden? Plant up a pot or
window box. Try
lavender, heathers,
nasturtiums,
sunflowers
and bulbs like
crocuses,
as well as
herbs. Children
can also get
involved with
school garden
projects, or perhaps
make a bee hotel as a gift to give to
friends and family.
Give bees a drink in hot weather:
Provide a shallow bowl of clean rainwater
with a few pebbles for the bees to land
on. For more tips visit
www.friendsoftheearth.uk/bees
Photo credits:
• Neil James Brain,
• Maria Davies &
• Rose Stephens
Planning For 11 Plus Success
With less than 4 months to go before the Warwickshire & Birmingham 11 Plus Examinations, now is the time
to plan the months and weeks leading up to your child’s grammar school entrance test. We advise the following:
1. Study Little and Often
The most effective way to revise is in
regular short bursts. This will ensure
that your child maintains high levels of
concentration, which in turn will help
them to absorb more of what they are
studying. Intensive Course Days are
the perfect aid to give your child that
vital boost in the last few weeks of
preparation.
2. Regular Exam Practice
Sitting a series of practice
examinations before the real 11 Plus
exams can help your child in several
ways, including:
l Overcoming exam day nerves.
l Practising the use of separate
answer sheets.
l Identifying areas of weakness for
future targeted study.
3. Work Hard & Play Hard
Whilst it is important to do a
significant amount of studying in the
months and weeks leading up to the
grammar school entrance tests, it is
equally important to help your child
find constructive ways to relax. This
will help to prevent your child from
becoming fatigued.
For more information visit www.11pluslessons.co.uk or www.11plusmocks.co.uk
www.primarytimes.co.uk/warwickshire | MAY HALF TERM Issue 2018 Primary Times 15