Primary Times Birmingham and Black Country Back to School 2018

58,000 copies for families of
Primary School Children
www. primarytimes.co.uk
in Birmingham &
Black Country
© Disney
19th – 28th Oct 2018
arenabham.co.uk
BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE
5 SEPT – 14 OCT 2018

Primary Times Exclusive
Inspire them...
to draw every day!
with Axel Scheffler
Here to spark young imaginations with creative advice
is the world-famous illustrator of The Gruffalo!
Children’s picture book
illustrator, Axel Scheffler,
has an incredible job. The
first to read exciting new children’s
tales, he then draws all of the
fantastical creatures within their
pages. “What could be more fun
than reading a story and inventing
pictures to go with it?” Axel asks.
When this busy illustrator rests
his pencil it’s to visit schools and
talk about the famous picture
books he has brought to life. These
are well-loved titles including Pip
and Posy, The Grunts, Room on
the Broom and, of course, The
Gruffalo. So, who better to help
inspire our children to sketch their
way through life than Axel?
“Drawing can be the most
wonderful and absorbing activity.
I’m so keen on children being
creative, it’s really important as it
helps them understand the world
around us – and even invent their
own worlds.
“Where do I begin illustrating a
new character? Normally I sketch
the characters first, and then
work on a more detailed version
to which I add colour. When the
author and the book’s editor
are both happy I then start the
detailed work of creating the new
character.”
Axel loves the challenge of
drawing animals, but is currently
busy drawing mind-boggling
aliens for the latest book from The
Gruffalo author, Julia Donaldson.
“There are two different kinds of
aliens – blue ones and red ones –
one sort has bare feet, the other
has a tuft of hair on their heads.
So whilst I have some things to
consider, I do also have some
freedom to invent my own aliens:
as nobody really knows what
aliens look like…
“I think I prefer drawing animals
most of all, and small animals are
easier than large ones. Although
I do check and look at pictures
of real animals, mine are never
quite the same as the real ones. I
somehow transform them into my
own versions – but that's ok for
picture books. It makes it more
fun, doesn’t it?”
READY, SET,
SKETCH…
Axel’s drawing tips
for children
1. Read a lot, draw a lot
2. Experiment with different
ways of painting and drawing,
and use different materials like
charcoal and pastels as well
as crayons, paints and pencils
3. Look at as many books and
pictures as you can. See how
artists and illustrators work,
and all their different styles
4. Start a sketchbook
and draw what you see
around you every day
5. Sketch together: “It’s
fun to draw a picture with
someone else – it’s something
me and my daughter
have such fun doing.”
‘A Squash and a Squeeze’ 25th
Anniversary Edition is available now – the
first picture book written and illustrated
by the bestselling partnership of Julia
Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
MASCOT DRAWING CHALLENGE: CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
Primary Times needs a colourful character to be its new mascot.
We already know his name… it’s Petey. But is Petey an animal or
an alien, a person or an imaginary creature? Does he wear funny
clothes? Or have crazy hair?
‘Pip and Posy The New Friend’
by Axel Scheffler is published
by Nosy Crow, £6.99
Could your child create our nationwide mascot, Petey?
This challenge is open to children across the land. For a chance
to see their mascot representing Primary Times, email a picture of
their loveable ‘Petey’ to petey@primarytimes.co.uk
2
Primary Times BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham

Welcome to our back to school edition! We hope you had a
wonderful summer break and have been enjoying the recent
sunshine, and are now feeling refreshed and ready to start
another school year.
We also want to give a warm welcome to all of our new
readers who are just starting their first year of school. It’s such
an exciting time and a whole new chapter in life, and we hope
your first few weeks are everything you’d hoped they’d be. For
all of our regular readers, we hope your new school year brings
positive change and many more opportunities for fun with
your families.
In this edition you’ll find lots of upcoming local activities and
events on our WOW pages, many of which are free and low
cost. We’ve got everything from ballet to bouncing! Don’t
forget to check out our Box Office page too for an array of local
theatre performances suitable for your little ones!
With very best wishes,
4 Whats On Where
10 Box Office
12 Newsround
13 Choosing The Best
Secondary School
14 Fact v Fiction
15 Film Review
15 Competitions
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.co.uk
/birmingham
http://www.facebook.com/
PrimaryTimesWM
...the UK’s biggest, free ‘what’s on’ magazine for parents!
Primary Times Birmingham & Black Country, Schools Publishing Limited, Unit 1A,
Thamesview Industrial Estate, Newtown Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon,
RG9 1HG. Tel: 01491 411848 Fax: 01491 411416
www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham
Contact: Vanessa Allan vanessa.allan@primarytimes.co.uk.co.uk
Design: Stuart Cameron
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in
Birmingham & Black Country. 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 Birmingham & Black
Country 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 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences
throughout Britain.
contents
Confidence building dance,
drama & singing lessons for
ages 6 months - 18 years.
#proudtobeme
www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 Primary Times 3

what's on where
If you are looking for more inspiration, there are
many more events on our website
www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham
5 Sep – 9 Sep
Visit our Dippy Family Room
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery B3
3DH
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
Our special Dippy family space is free to
enter and will have plenty of great
things to do for all the little - and
of course big - Dino lovers! We’ll
have jigsaws, dressing up and
free colouring in activities
to do before or after your
amazing meeting with Dippy.
Our Dippy family room will be
open throughout the exhibition. No
booking or tickets are required.
5 Sep – 15 Sep
Cover to Cover: Roald Dahl Around the
World exhibition
Birmingham Hippodrome Patrick Centre
B5 4TB
www.birminghamhippodrome.com
To mark the arrival of the much-loved
Matilda The Musical, this exhibition of
eye-catching international book covers
celebrates the world’s number one
storyteller.
5 Sep – 23 Sep
Drawn to perfection
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts B15 2TS
barber.org.uk
This first exhibition in an exciting new
partnership with Royal Collection Trust
explores their use – as prototypes for
paintings and frescoes, tapestries,
sculpture or architecture, and
as detailed working sketches
that allow an artist to
explore the subject or trial
compositional ideas.
5 Sep – 29 Sep
Celebrate!
The Leather Museum Walsall
WS2 8EW
go.walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the
opening of the Leather Museum, we’ve
brought together the work of many of
the country’s top contemporary makers,
designers and companies working in
leather today.
5 Sep – 7 Oct
Centre Stage
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts B15 2TS
barber.org.uk
This selection of works on paper from the
Barber’s collection explore how Degas,
Sickert and others have portrayed figures
Don’t forget to
say you saw it in
Primary Times!
We check
listings carefully but
event details and prices
may be subject to change.
Please always check
with the venue.
linked to the stage, such as actors and
performers – who are themselves creating
illusion and providing a simulacrum to the
world around them.
5 Sep – Ongoing
Fossil Fuelled – Prehistory to
Powerhouse
Bilston Craft Gallery WV14 7LU
www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk
This new exhibition and display
celebrates the pioneering
industries and spirit of Bilston.
We also have a family-friendly
dinosaur room which is home to
Barry the Baryonyx. Also on display are real
fossils from the Dr. Fraser Collection and
dinosaur fossil casts such as the famous
Archaeopteryx, T-rex and Triceratops. You
can design your own dinosaur and even
dress up like a one!
Discovery Zone
Stratford Butterfly Farm CV37 7LS
www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
Some of the worlds largest, spikiest, hairiest
and most camouflaged caterpillars are on
show with cocoons, giant silkmoths and
shining pupae hanging on the plants. Lots
to see, but look hard or you’ll miss them!
The Last Roman
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts B15 2TS
barber.org.uk
Crowned Emperor of the Romans at
Constantinople in 527 AD, Justinian’s reign
saw a surge in the might of the Roman
Empire. This exhibition tells his
fascinating story through
treasures from the Barber’s
world-class collection of
coins.
Mahtab Hussain: Mitti
Ka Ghar
The New Art Galley WS2 8LG
www.thenewartgallerywalsall.
org.uk
This exhibition presents a powerful and
poetic reflection on ideas of home, of
belonging and displacement. Over the
next few months, working with the artist
and local communities, we will build and
decorate a traditional Kashmiri mud house
and the artist will also create tintype
portraits of local people, gradually building
a portrait of Walsall.
Wednesbury Museum Open Days
Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery
WS10 7DF
www.sandwell.gov.uk
Wednesbury Museum is Sandwell’s Museum
and Art Gallery. It is a purpose built
Victorian Art Gallery, housing collections
which include fine art paintings, applied
art, old toys as well as one of the world’s
largest collections of Ruskin pottery.
6 Sep – 13 Sep
Heritage Open Day: Behind the scenes
tour
The Oak House Museum B70 8HJ
www.sandwell.gov.uk
2-5pm Come and learn more about what
goes into looking after a historic building.
Learn about basic conversation methods
and see areas of the house not normally
open to visitors. Tour leaves from reception
at 2:30pm. There will be time afterwards
to explore this beautiful historical
property at your own leasure, wander
around the gardens and enjoy our garden
interpretation boards.
6 Sep – 16 Sep
Heritage Open Days
Church of Saint Alban the Martyr B12 0XB
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
A spectacular living church designed to
accommodate the tradition of the Oxford
Movement. Check online for event times.
7 Sep – Ongoing
Stirchley Parents and Toddlers
Stirchley Baths B30 2JT
www.stirchleybaths.org
10-12pm Only £2.50 per session. No need
to book, just come along and join in! Runs
on Fridays.
Karate
Stirchley Baths B30 2JT
www.stirchleybaths.org
6:30-7:30pm Karate for kids! Contact Jervice
on 07905368451 to book.
8 Sep
The Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice B29 7DA
www.birminghamhospice.org.uk
Inspired by our Award Winning Chocolate
5k we bring you a bigger challenge this
Autumn... The Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush.
Gather your team and tackle our 5k obstacle
course together to win a chocolatey reward!
We recommend this event for ages 12+
however can accept younger runner if they
feel capable. Register online.
Big Fun Run Birmingham
Cannon Hill Park B13 8RD
www.bigfunrun.com
11am Big Fun Run is a series of 5k untimed
runs staged within scenic settings
throughout the UK from July to October.
Run for fitness, run for charity, run for
fun…just run! There’s no pressure, just
some easy moves and lots of laughs. All
ages welcome. Price: £13.50, concessions
£11.50, under 5s free.
Family Saturday
Ikon Gallery B1 2HS
ikon-gallery.org
12-4pm Join us for practical and hands-on
activities inspired by the current exhibitions.
Spend some creative time making and
experimenting as a family. Children must
be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Suggested donation £3. Suitable for all
ages.
Heritage Open Days
St Agnes Church B13 9SJ
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
2pm Discover the architectural delights of
an Edwardian suburb. Guided walk around
St Agnes Conservation Area in Moseley, led
by Dr Terry Slater.
Dog Jog
Cannon Hill Park B13 8RD
www.dogjog.co.uk
2pm A unique 5k jogging event for you and
your dog to get fit and have fun. Relaxed,
fun atmosphere with no times and no
pressure, you and your pet pick the pace!
When you cross the finish line you’ll receive
a fantastic Doggy Bag jam-packed with
goodies for both you and your four-legged
friend, as well as a Dog Jog Collar Keyring
medal! Price: £13.50. Registration essential.
8 Sep – 16 Sep
Heritage Open Days
St Laurence Church and Pastoral Centre
B31 2LX
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Guided tours available, guide leaflets
for the church, information about local
conservation area and Commonwealth
Graves. Refreshments available. Display on
Mary Sumner, founder of Mothers’ Union.
Church open 10am-4pm on 8 September
and 12-4pm on 16 September. Colouring
sheets for children.
8 Sep – 30 Sep
Cavendish’s Horses
Bolsover Castle S44 6PR
www.english-heritage.org.uk/bolsover
11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm Witness
expert horsemen in flamboyant 17th
century costume, training for art and
battle to baroque music in the spectacular
surroundings of the Riding School at
Bolsover Castle. Runs every weekend
through September.
Potato and Sweetcorn Showdown
Hatton Adventure World CV35 8XA
hattonworld.com
As part of your visit to Hatton Adventure
World, help your children learn where their
food comes from by harvesting potatoes
and sweetcorn and then take them home
to cook something delicious for tea! The
vegetable fields will be open on Saturdays
and Sundays between 12-5pm (crop
dependant) alongside a full day of Hatton
fun!
8 Sep – 7 Oct
Operation Build
Thinktank B4 7XG
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
11am-4pm Fun family activities taking
place every day during weekends and
school holidays. Activities include: arts
activities (11am-12pm), robo maze under
8s workshop (2-2:30pm and 2:30-3pm), air
powered workshop (3-4pm), and available
family packs.
8 Sep – Ongoing
Family Forest School
Mary Stevens Park DY8 2AB
www.marystevenspark.org
10-11:30am Outdoor activities on Saturdays
during term time aimed at children aged
3-6 and their parents carers. Crafts, games,
cooking on a campfire etc. Suggested
donation £3. Booking essential.
T: 01384815279.
Messy Ed - Sensory Education
Mary Stevens Park DY8 2AB
www.marystevenspark.org
10-11am Sensory play is any activity that
stimulates children’s senses and generally
these activities also facilitate the use
4
Primary Times BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham

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www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 Primary Times 5

6what's on where
of basic scientific techniques, such as
investigation and exploration, and basic
artistic concepts, such as creativity. Wear
clothes you don’t mind getting messy.
Activity held in the Activity Centre. £6 per
session. Booking online essential.
9 Sep
Eco Fest
mac birmingham B12 9QH
www.macbirmingham.co.uk
12-5pm The day will offer free workshops
and activities as well as opportunities to
find out how you can further develop your
eco-friendly credentials, both in the home
and within your own community. Suitable
for all ages.
Moor Pool Heritage Festival
Moor Pool Hall B17 9DY
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
11am-3pm Moor Pool is a delightful historic
arts and crafts garden suburb. Uncover its
hidden green spaces, sporting clubs, history,
active societies and fun for all the family!
This is a unique opportunity to discover the
Moor Pool Estate Garden Suburb, one of
the last remaining intact garden suburbs in
the UK and one of Birmingham’s best kept
architectural secrets.
Mucky Pups!
MSH Grounds DY8 2JR
www.marystevenshospice.co.uk
New for 2018, we are holding a mucky dog
walk and assault course on the Hospice
field on Sunday 9 September, and we’d
love to see as many pups here getting as
mucky as possible! Entry into this fantastic
family event is just £10 per puppy, with a
maximum ratio of 3 dogs to 1 person.
Open Day
New Hall Water Mill B76 1QU
www.newhallmill.org.uk
10am-4pm Visit this Grade II listed flour mill
which, water supply permitting, will be fully
operational. Mill and Tea Room open.
T: 0121 526 3131
9 Sep – 16 Sep
Heritage Open Day: A Womans Role in
the 17th century
The Oak House Museum B70 8HJ
www.sandwell.gov.uk
2-5pm Come along to the Oak House today
and learn about a woman’s role in the 17th
century. Make pomanders in the kitchen,
learn more about the dairy and help the
dairy maid with her duties. Wander around
the gardens and enjoy our new outdoor
interpretation. NEW for 2018.
9 Sep – Ongoing
Wildside Watch Group
Wildside Activity Centre WV6 0HA
www.wildsideac.co.uk
This group is for children age 5-11 who are
interested in wildlife. It normally meets
in term time on the second Sunday of
the month. Activities include looking at
measuring trees, doing a survey and going
on a scavenger hunt. Sessions cost £3.
T: 01902572240.
10 Sep
Small Space Day
The National Space Centre LE4 5NS
spacecentre.co.uk
Combining stories, songs and trails, this
is a fun and interactive way for young
children to continue their early educational
development. There is also the chance to
see a special show featuring the planets,
and even meet our own astronaut, George!
Aimed at ages 2-5, but all welcome.
10 Sep – Ongoing
Beam
Community Link B64 5AH
www.sandwell.gov.uk
1-4:30pm An emotional health and wellbeing
service for children and young people,
runs on Mondays. If you’re under 18 with
something on your mind, Beam Sandwell is
a friendly place to spend time, play games
and talk to someone about how you’re
feeling if you want to. It’s your time, your
choice and you don’t need an appointment
– just drop in.
11 Sep – Ongoing
Rhythm Time – Toddler Sessions
Bantock House Museum WV3 9LQ
www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk
10:25am and 11:05am Rhythm Time offers
award-winning, multi-sensory and fun
music sessions for babies, toddlers and
pre-schoolers. Each age-appropriate course
has been created to enhance every child’s
development. Runs on Tuesdays.
Rhythm Time – Young Baby Session
Bantock House Museum WV3 9LQ
www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk
11:50am and 12pm Rhythm Time offers
award-winning, multi-sensory and fun
music sessions for babies, toddlers and
pre-schoolers. Each age-appropriate course
has been created to enhance every child’s
development. Runs on Tuesdays.
12 Sep – 13 Sep
Birmingham Heritage Week: Roof Top
Guided Tour
Soho House B18 5LB
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
11:30, 1pm and 2:30pm Join us to celebrate
Soho House’s Heritage Open Day with a
costumed guided tours! Tours will include a
special rooftop tour – weather permitting.
14 Sep – 16 Sep
Black Country Boating Festival
Bumble Hole Local Nature Reserve DY2 0TT
www.bcbf.com
Primary Times BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham
10am-5pm The Black Country Boating
Festival is a boat gathering and community
festival. With more than 200 boat, trade
and charity stalls to browse, canal side
entertainment, boaters’ competitions, a
funfair, real ale bar, live music and regular
boat trips along the Dudley No 2 canal,
there is always something for everyone in
the family.
15 Sep
Heritage Open Days
Bournville Carillon and Visitor Centre B30
2AB
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
10am-4pm An opportunity to visit
the Carillon playing cabin to see the
carillonneur in action demonstrating
the playing technique and performance
possibilities. Installed by Bournville Village
Trust founder, George Cadbury in 1906,
Bournville Carillon is one of the finest
instruments of its kind in the world.
Heritage Open Days
Bournville Junior School B30 1JY
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
10am-3pm See the central hall decorated
with frescoes depicting biblical scenes. For
Heritage Open Day, current pupils will be
displaying an array of historical artefacts
relating to the school.
Heritage Open Days
Bournville Quaker Meeting House B30 1JT
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
10am-4pm Visit an unusually elaborate
Quaker Meeting House and the only one
housing an organ. George and Richard
Cadbury put their faith into action as they
built their new chocolate factory and
pioneering village beyond the boundaries
of the city centre. Especially for our Heritage
Open Day there will be an exhibition of old
photos of the Meeting House and a display
board of Quaker testimonies.
Sticky Saturday
Dudley Museum DY1 4SQ
www.dudley.gov.uk
10:30am-12pm Kids can have a go at being
messy and sticky… and we do the tidying
up!
Quick, simple crafts to make and take home
with you. Drop in at any time, but allow 30
minutes. Suitable for ages 4+. Free.
Fine and Local Food Fayre
Mell Square B91 0NA
www.solihull.gov.uk
Sample the best of locally sourced food
and produce from a range of top quality
suppliers at this market, which is held on
the third Saturday of each month. Artworks
and craft items by regional artists are also
available.
Sticky Saturday
Red House Glass Cone DY8 4AZ
www.dudley.gov.uk
1:30pm-3:30pm Kids can have a go at
being messy and sticky… and we do the
tidying up!
Quick, simple crafts to make and take home
with you. Drop in at any time, but allow 30
minutes. Suitable for ages 4+. Free.
Autism and SEN Climbing
Rock Up Birmingham B16 8LP
www.rock-up.co.uk
Rock Up have launched Autism and SEN
friendly climbing and soft play sessions to
provide an opportunity for children with
specific needs to enjoy our facilities in a
quieter, calmer environment. Call to enquire
about and book upcoming sessions. T:
0121271 0322.
Bournville Heritage Day
FREE EVENT
Selly Manor B30 2AE
www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk
10am-4pm Selly Manor Museum is
delighted to be holding an exhibition in
our medieval hall celebrating extraordinary
women. The manor will host living history
experts Gloriana as they bring the past to
life with music and costume.
Wally Funk’s Race for Space
The National Space Centre LE4 5NS
spacecentre.co.uk
9-10am Wally Funk was one of the thirteen
members of the 1961 Women in Space
Programme. But, one week before the
final phase of training, the programme
was cancelled. Undeterred, Wally went on
to become America’s first female aviation
safety inspector, though her dream of
being an astronaut never dimmed. Listen
to Wally’s story and ask questions in this
family-friendly Q&A session. Price: adults
£15, children £12, book online.
15 Sep – 16 Sep
Midland Game Fair
Weston Park TF11 8LE
www.midlandgamefair.co.uk
The show has something for everyone from
world class clay pigeon shooting to game
and coarse fishing demonstrations, gun
dog competitions, falconry displays, ferret
racing, fine arts and rural crafts plus over
600 stands for all your countryside shopping
needs. Price: £17, under 16s free when
accompanied by a paying adult.
Small Space Day
The National Space
Centre

Rush
JUMP AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE IN SEPTEMBER *
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QUOTE ‘PRIMT10’.
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www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 Primary Times 7

8what's on where
Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly
Farm is delighted to announce
that they have joined forces with
local award-winning attractions,
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom
and The Mad Museum, to offer
a ‘Family Super Saver’ ticket
for two adults and up to two
children. This fantastic value ticket
at £57.00, allows entrance into all
three attractions at one great price.
Each attraction offers a unique visitor
experience, allowing you and your
family to immerse yourselves in
nature, science and history. Families
may use the ticket for one visit to
each attraction, with a month in which
to use it. Tickets may be purchased
from any of the three venues.
Primary Times BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham
Children’s Market
Hatton Country World CV35 8XA
www.childrens-markets.co.uk
10am-5pm A market place to buy all
kinds of wonderful things for babies and
children up to the age of 12 years plus
find out about some great local activities
and classes in the area. There will also be
a range of craft activities for the children
too! Free.
Heritage Open Days
Aston Hall B6 6JD
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
11am-4pm Follow in the footsteps of
royalty and visit one of the last great
Jacobean houses to be built. Aston Hall is a
magnificent seventeenth century red-brick
mansion situated in a picturesque public
park on the north side of Birmingham.
Heritage Open Days
Blakesley Hall B25 8RN
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
11am-4pm Join experts from the
Birmingham and Warwickshire
Archaeological Society in a leisurely 2.5
mile stroll around the village of Yardley.
Discover the hidden history of the area
including two medieval moats that
once surrounded manor houses, ridges
remaining from medieval ploughing, and
the historic buildings of old Yardley.
16 Sep
Heritage Open Day
Birmingham Botanical Gardens B15 3TR
www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
Come and explore the Birmingham
Botanical Gardens, bring a picnic and
enjoy the beautiful scenery. An idyllic way
to spend a Sunday with the family. Free.
Autumn Event
Martineau Gardens B5 7UG
www.martineau-gardens.org.uk
11am-3pm Apple pressing, seasonal
produce, children’s wildlife activities and
live music from local bands. Entry £3.
Heritage Weekend
Soho House B18 5LB
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
Join us to celebrate Soho House’s Heritage
Open Day.
19 Sep
MAG Babies
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery B3
3DH
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
10:30am-12:30pm Join us for our regular
on gallery early years stay and play
session. Creative, interactive and sensory
play and fun with colours, textures and
sounds. Designed for babies and toddlers
aged 6 months to 3 years to play and
interact with a parent or caregiver. Free,
book online.
20 Sep – 22 Sep
Rear View by IOU
Coventry Transport Museum CV1 1JD
www.transport-museum.com
12-2:30pm Rear View is a unique interactive
experience for all audiences where the
streets of Coventry become part of the
performance. This exciting experience is
taken on a custom-made conversion of a
double decker bus, a mobile auditorium
which turns the City town into a stage,
taking you onan unforgettable journey
where familiar and not so familiar places
are brought to life. Age recommendation
11+.
22 Sep – 23 Sep
Autumn Gift and Craft Market
Bantock House Museum WV3 9LQ
www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk
12pm This is the perfect opportunity
to come along and purchase unique
wares from the many local crafters
and enterprises. Floristry, home wares,
photography, confectionary and baked
goods, illustration, needlework, woodwork,
vintage and contemporary jewellery,
fashion accessories, fused glass, children’s
books, pamper products, personalised gifts,
luxury handmade candles, ceramics and
more!
The FAB Worlds of Anderson
The National Space Centre LE4 5NS
spacecentre.co.uk
We celebrate the fantastic legacy of Gerry
And Sylvia Anderson in this very special
weekend. With special guests and fun
activities, there’s something for everyone!
23 Sep
Car Rally
Red House Glass Cone DY8 4AZ
www.dudley.gov.uk
11am-4pm Come along to our car rally!
Suitable for ages 4+. Free.
Fun In The Park
Tudor Grange Park B91 3LU
www.solihull.gov.uk
11am-5pm The annual charity fundraising
event returns. Organised by the
Soroptimists and featuring entertainment
including a dog show, classic car show,
cycling events and an arena with shows and
performances from talented local dancers
and musicians, this event is fun for all the
family! Local artisans and charities will also
have stalls at the event. Price: adults £3,
under 16s £1.
24 Sep
Foster With Us
Wednesbury Library WS10 9EH
www.sandwell.gov.uk
8am and 5pm Foster With Us – our free,
monthly, fostering information event. Meet
the team and find out about fostering with
Sandwell Children’s Trust. It’s a chance to

come along and hear about want we do,
watch a couple of short films and have a
one to one talk over a hot drink.
28 Sep
Diddy Dinos
Dudley Museum DY1 4SQ
www.dudley.gov.uk
10am and 11:30am Story, sensory play and
fun in our popular under 4s stay and play
session. Suitable for ages 12 months – 4
years. The session is designed for babies,
toddlers and their carers to interact and play.
Price £2.50.
29 Sep
Autumnal Aston: Rufus and the
Golden Acorns
Aston Hall B6 6JD
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
11am and 1pm Families are invited to join
us for half a day of activities celebrating
Autumnal Aston. Explore our North Courtyard
to take part in our outdoor nature challenges.
Join us inside Aston Hall to help us tell our
story of our favourite autumnal animal, Rufus
the Red Squirrel, and his preparations for the
King’s visit as we look around this beautiful
old house together. Suitable for children aged
4-8 and accompanying adults. Date subject to
change, book online.
Toy and Model Steam
Gathering
Winterbourne House and Gardens B15 2RT
www.winterbourne.org.uk
10:30am-4:45pm Join us for our annual Toy
and Model Steam gathering, a great day out
for all the family! See steam toys and engines
in action & join us in our printing press for live
demonstrations throughout the day. Entry is
£6 for adults and £5 for children.
30 Sep
Wild Fest
The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park B91 3HG
www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
10am-3pm A wild day of activities before
hibernating for winter! Crafts, pond dipping,
games and more at our Parkridge Centre in
Solihull. Free.
3 Oct – 7 Oct
Horse Of The Year Show
Genting Arena B40 1NT
www.gentingarena.co.uk
To mark the 70th anniversary of the Horse
Show, HOYS will bring more entertainment
displays into the timetable than ever before
and will also be celebrating the Gala Evening
Finale on the Sunday evening in style. Tickets
from £31.70.
5 Oct
Farmer’s Market
High Street and Mill Lane B91 0NA
www.solihull.gov.uk
9am-5pm Support our local farmers by
visiting this popular market, which offers a
tempting range of local produce sourced from
within a 30 mile radius of Solihull, on the first
Friday of every month.
6 Oct
Tunnel Teds
Dudley Canal Trust DY1 4SB
dudleycanaltrust.org.uk
Join us on selected dates throughout the year
for our very popular Tunnel Teds event – a
day to bring your furry friend along for a
ted-tastic day of bear-themed fun on and
around the canal! An event specially aimed
at the under 7s (though everyone is welcome
of course!). £6.50 for one special 20 min boat
trip and a whole day of fun activities! Adults
and infants free.
Morning walk
Kingsbury Water Park B76 0DY
www.rspb.org.uk
10am A walk around some of the lakes at
this extensive water park looking for birds
and other wildlife. Suggested donation £1.
Glass Fusion Plus: Bridget
Riley
Red House Glass Cone DY8 4AZ
www.dudley.gov.uk
2pm-3pm A more advanced session aimed
at children and adults who have already
tried glass fusion... and are hooked!
Sessions last about an hour and need to
be booked in advance. Suitable for ages
8+. Price £6.
Theatre Tour
The Old Rep Theatre B5 4DY
www.oldreptheatre.co.uk
10:30-11:30am As the UK’s first
purpose-built repertory theatre, The Old
Rep occupies a unique place on theatre
history. This iconic theatre, built by Sir
Barry Jackson, played a central role in the
early careers of many of the UK’s most
celebrated actors and theatre makers. Step
inside as we reveal a fascinating history
with our behind the scenes tours, brand
new for 2018. Please note, due to the
age of the building the tour will involved
many stairs.
7 Oct
Cactus Show
Birmingham Botanical Gardens B15 3TR
www.birminghambotanicalgardens.
org.uk
11am-4pm Come and see a display of
superb Cactus and Succulent plants and
marvel at the variety of plants being
entered in the Show by experienced
growers from around the country. There
will be experts on hand to answer any
questions and give cultivation advice.
13 Oct – 31 Oct
Monster Magic
Gulliver’s Kingdom DE4 3PG
www.gulliversfun.co.uk
Experience Monster Magic at Gulliver’s
Theme Parks! You will also have the
chance to enjoy the Swizzels Trick and
Treat Trail. Discover lots of awesome
activities and attractions to make this
trail a real treat. Don’t miss out on a trip
to Leonard’s Scare School or prepare for a
Wicked Costume Party on park.
Monster Magic
Gulliver’s Land MK15 0DT
www.gulliversfun.co.uk
Experience Monster Magic at Gulliver’s
Theme Parks! You will also have the
chance to enjoy the Swizzels Trick and
Treat Trail. Discover lots of awesome
activities and attractions to make this
trail a real treat. Don’t miss out on a trip
to Leonard’s Scare School or prepare for a
Wicked Costume Party on park.
13 Oct – 4 Nov
Go 7! Apollo Half
Term
The National Space Centre LE4 5NS
spacecentre.co.uk
Over the half term holiday our Mission
Commanders will be taking you on a
journey that will eventually land humans
on the Moon. This race to space will
begin with a powerful rocket, the Saturn
IB – precursor to the iconic Saturn V,
the tallest, heaviest, and most powerful
rocket ever brought to operational status,
and end with how humans lived in space.
World Vision’s Pumpkin Heroes is a free pack
of easy to use resources all designed to help
children age 4-10 in your church, school and
family have fun this Halloween.
Join Patch the Pumpkin
as he heads out on a new
adventure to shine light into
Halloween.
With a fantastic story book,
cartoon film, activities,
crafts, games and a singalong-song,
you can be
sure your kids will have fun
discovering all about helping
and caring for others this
Halloween.
Get your free pack of
easy to use resources at:
pumpkinheroes.com
www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 Primary Times 9

BOX OFFICE
BoxOffice
your family theatre guide...
Arena Birmingham
B1 2AA
www.arenabham.co.uk
3 Oct – 7 Oct
Cirque du Soleil: OVO
OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful
ecosystem teeming with life, where
insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play,
fight and look for love in a non-stop riot
of energy and movement. Tickets from
£52.75.
Belgrade Theatre
CV1 1GS
www.belgrade.co.uk
10 Oct
Flawless - Chase the Dream: the
reboot
7:30pm This fantastically high energy,
acrobat-fused, FEEL GOOD, family show
follows the journey of 10 Big Dreamers,
seeking the opportunity to live their
ultimate dance fantasy on board the
“Intergalactic Dream Ship”. Tickets:
£24.25, concessions £22.25. Book online.
Birmingham Hippodrome
Patrick Centre
B5 4TB
www.birminghamhippodrome.com
5 Sep – 8 Sep
Matilda The Musical
Matilda The Musical is the multi-award
winning musical from the Royal
Shakespeare Company, inspired by the
beloved book by the incomparable Roald
Dahl. Tickets from £30. Book online.
28 Sep
First Steps, a child’s La Fille mal
gardée
An hour-long, interactive show, specially
adapted for children aged 3+, features
First Steps, a child's
La Fille mal gardée
ballet excerpts from La Fille mal gardee,
performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s
amazing dancers and orchestra. Tickets
£12.50. Book online.
3 Oct – 6 Oct
Birmingham Royal Ballet - Fire
and Fury
Two incredible ballets, one from
established choreographer, Director
David Bintley, and one from a
choreographer working on this scale
for the first time, Juanjo Arqués. Tickets
from £12.
10 Oct – 3 Nov
War Horse
This powerfully moving and imaginative
drama, filled with stirring music
and songs, is a show of phenomenal
inventiveness. At its heart are
astonishing life-sized horses by South
Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company,
who bring breathing, galloping,
charging horses thrilling to life on stage.
Suitable for ages 10+, under 5s will not
be admitted. Tickets from £29.50.
Birmingham Repertory
Theatre
B1 2EP
www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
22 Sep
Young Herbert’s Horrors
11:30am and 2pm A swashbuckling
pirate adventure with a twist . Young
Herbert is a little horror. Living on a boat
should be the ideal life for a wannabe
pirate, but the boat’s grounded until
Herbert can learn to tidy his cabin, eat
his greens and be more polite. Tickets
from £7.
mac birmingham
B12 9QH
www.macbirmingham.co.uk
16 Sep
Martin Mor: Funny Stuff For Happy
People
3pm Kids! Do you need somewhere
to take your adults without them
getting bored and going off in a huff?
Bring them along to this show where
they’ll get an hour of comedy, circus,
storytelling and stupid science stuff.
7 Oct
The Laughing Sole Comedy for
Kids
2pm An exciting club where the laughs
are loud and shared across the ages!
Compered by Barbara Nice, our comedy
club is specifically for children and their
families, bringing together some of
the best acts on the circuit performing
family jokes. Recommended age 5+ but
younger siblings are welcome. Tickets £7.
New Alexandra Theatre
B5 4DS
www.atgtickets.com
20 Sep
One Night of Queen
7:30pm One Night of Queen is a
spectacular live concert, recreating the
look, sound, pomp and showmanship
of arguably the greatest rock band of all
time. This show will ROCK you! Tickets
from £13.
Royal Spa Centre
CV32 4HN
www.warwickdc.gov.uk
8 Sep – 9 Sep
Bing Live!
Don’t miss the chance to see your little
one’s face as their favourite characters are
brought to life in this brand-new show.
Full of fun, laughter and music, Bing Live!
is the perfect first theatre trip for preschoolers
and their families. Tickets: £18,
concessions £16.
13 Oct
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
3pm and 7pm A Midsummer Night’s
Dream is a ‘pocket’ version of the recent
production staged at Playbox Theatre and
reconfigured for the stage in California.
Tickets: £15, concessions £9.
Stourbridge Town Hall
DY8 1YE
www.stourbridgetheatre.co.uk
6 Sep – 8 Sep
Goodnight Mister Tom
7:30pm One of the most uplifting
stories ever written, Michelle Magorian’s
stunning Goodnight Mister Tom is
brought gloriously to life in this stage
adaptation by David Wood. Tickets: £10,
concessions £8.
Symphony Hall
B1 2EA
www.thsh.co.uk
10 Oct
Midweek Explorers: Laura Carter
10:30am Take time out in a relaxing
and friendly space with your little
ones. Explore music, dance and storytelling
whilst making new friends.
Recommended for ages 5 and under, our
music practitioners will help facilitate
early years learning in a supportive and
fun environment, and it’s totally free!
The Core Theatre
B91 3RG
thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
13 Oct
Abba Mania
7:30pm ABBAMANIA are widely regarded
as one of the ‘Europe’s’ Premier ABBA
Tribute Bands. Their sensational LIVE
concerts have taken them all over the
World. Tickets £25.
The Crescent Theatre
B16 8AE
www.crescent-theatre.co.uk
22 Sep – 29 Sep
One Man Two Guvnors
Larger-than-life characters create subplots
verging on the absurd, as confusion
is piled on confusion in this fast-paced
spectacle of slap-stick, songs and brilliant
one-liners! Tickets: adults £17, senior
(60+) £16, children (U16) £15.
The Old Rep Theatre
B5 4DY
www.oldreptheatre.co.uk
2 Oct
Harry and Chris: Save the World
Harry and Chris are the hottest comedyrap-jazz
duo out there. The pair have
been featured three times on ‘The Russell
Howard Hour’, and tour regularly around
the UK. Their songs range from panda
repopulation to coming of age to Robot
Wars, and they bring love and laughter
in their family-friendly set to a world
that needs both more than ever. Tickets
£13.50.
Wolverhampton Grand
Theatre
WV1 1DE
www.grandtheatre.co.uk
22 Sep
Milkshake!
1pm and 4pm Set amongst Milkshake’s
magical bookcase, this brilliant live
show is sure to amaze and delight! The
Milkshake! cast will be singing songs and
sharing stories that audience members,
young and old, will know and love.
Tickets: £10-£19.50.
26 Sep – 30 Sep
Awful Auntie
From the award-winning West End
producers of Gangsta Granny comes
the world premiere of David Walliams’
amazing tale of frights, fights and
friendship, featuring a very large owl, a
very small ghost and a very awful Auntie!
10
Primary Times BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham

22 SEP
Half Moon presents
YOUNG
HERBERT’S
HORRORS
A pirate adventure
with a twist!
20 OCT
The Play House presents
HANSEL
AND GRETEL
An interactive
journey bringing the
much-loved story to life
17 NOV
Lyngo Theatre presents
EGG AND
SPOON
Discover the magic
of the seasons
24 NOV - 13 JAN
THE WIZARD
OF OZ
Follow the yellow brick
road for the ultimate
family adventure this
Christmas!
16-26 JAN
THE
SNOWMAN
Enjoy a festive
favourite as we
celebrate 25 years
of The Snowman live
on stage
Ages
4-9
Ages
5-9
Ages
1-5
Ages
7+
Ages
3+
FAMILY FAVOURITES AT THE REP THIS AUTUMN
BOOK NOW 0121 236 4455
ONLINE BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK
Registered in England 295910
Charity No.223660
Join in the conversation
birminghamrep @birminghamrep @therepbirmingham
Sat 27 Oct – Fri 2 Nov
Who wants to play?
Enjoy live shows, virtual reality, gaming
and workshops for little (and big) geeks.
Suggested age range 7 – 11 years.
macbirmingham.co.uk/little-geeks
0121 446 3232
MAC gratefully thanks Arts Council England, the
Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, The Cole
Charitable Trust and The John Feeney Charitable
Trust for their generous financial support.
© Disney
© Disney
18th – 29th
October 2017
19th – 28th Oct 2018
arenabham.co.uk
*Calls cost a maximum of 7 pence per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.
Calls from mobiles may be higher and are dependent on your mobile company’s
charges and tariffs.
www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 Primary Times 11

NEWSROUND
newsround
between 1 September and 31 October,
Take advantage your local Kumon study centre is offering
a two-week Free Trial of the Kumon
of Kumon’s
programmes for new students.
two-week Free
Trial
At your local Kumon study centre our
aim is to help any child of any ability to
shine. We support students to help them
become confident, independent learners.
With 60 years of experience and over 4
million students worldwide, the Kumon
Maths and English Programmes enable
children to embrace new challenges and
to develop strong study skills.
We believe this opportunity to grow
academically and personally should
be available to all children. That is why,
Your child will be assessed so that your
Kumon Instructor can tailor their level of
study precisely to their ability. This creates
a positive learning experience, with work
set at just the right level.
The individualised maths and English
programmes enable students to progress
to an advanced level, at their own pace,
ensuring they maximise their ability and
begin to realise their unlimited potential.
Our students develop lifelong study skills
and a passion for learning, equipping them
for a successful future.
For more information and to find your
nearest study centre, visit
kumon.co.uk
Enter The Spotlight
London performance!?! We have an incredible cast of talented
young performers specially selected to perform at the Indigo
at the o2 Arena in London this November! Keep your eyes
peeled on our Facebook page for many more incredible
opportunities like this throughout the year, exclusive to
Razzamataz students including special guest workshops
with current West End performers; and the most amazing new
West End performance opportunity to come!
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Birmingham Royal
Ballet opens its
season at Birmingham
Hippodrome this
autumn with La Fille
mal gardée (The
Wayward Girl), a
lighthearted ballet for
all the family.
Performances run from 26
to 29 October and include
a special hour-long First
Steps version, for children
from age 3+, on Friday 28
October at 1pm.
Performed by Birmingham
Royal Ballet’s dancers
and full orchestra, these
interactive shows are
led by a storyteller who
introduces the audience
to the story, the leading
characters and the
music.
Here at Razzamataz Sutton
Coldfield we would love to get
to know you better at one of our
free taster sessions. This is the
perfect opportunity to find out
why and how our award winning
school puts your childs progress
at the heart of everything we do.
Whether your goal is for your
child to confidently introduce
themselves to somebody, or
even pursue a career as a
performer, we are here to work
towards those goals, specifically
to each individual.
Email us now at
suttoncoldfield@razzamataz.
co.uk to book your child in for a
free taster session. Places now
available for ages 6 months to
18 years!
How To Boost Word-Power-
EQUAZEN Proven To Improve
Both Reading & Behaviour
The Equazen range of brain health supplements, available in a liquid (citrus),
chews (strawberry; tropical fruit) and family capsules is the result of many years
of science. Equazen’s unique evidence-based formulation incorporates the
specific blends of omega-3 and omega-6, all tailor made to meet our needs at
key life stages. And, NEW Equazen+, includes the same omega-3 and omega-6
blend as well as a Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, Iron and Zinc. Extensively researched,
Equazen helps benefit children when it comes to reading and behaviour with a
64% improvement in reading comprehension; faster phonological decoding by
10% and visual analysis up by 8%. www.equazen.co.uk
© Bella Kotak
12
Primary Times BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham

Question time!
Struggling to decidewhich
secondaryschoolisbest?
We’vesummarised some of thekey questionsyou
shouldbeaskingduringyourresearch (and whotoask!)
What next if you’ve
made initial searches
and have drawn up
a shortlist of favoured secondary
schools, most likely based on
practical requirements such
as distance from home and
admission rules? Once you know
which exams pupil sit and have a
good idea of how they perform,
birmingham
go astep further and start
making comparisons between the
schools using some sensible and
probing questions.
In the search for your child’s
secondary school, you’ll want
to dig far deeper than the
latest league table results and
the pages of aglossy school
brochure. Which is why we
wanted to help arm you with
some useful questions for when
you visit each school in person.
Be sure toask the same
questions consistently of each
school in order to stack the
responses up against each
other so that, by the end of the
exercise, you’ve a clear feeling
for which school strikes a chord
with you and your child.
To garner the most genuine
insight into each school, try to
organise your visit for a normal
school day (most schools will
accommodate this) and have
the confidence to ask some
very specific questions of the
people you meet. This way
you can bypass the rose-tinted
promotional image presented
to parents during school open
days and you’ll be better placed
to decide which school is best
able to help your child fulfil their
individual potential.
Here are some important
questions to ask every secondary
school on your shortlist:
WHATDOES THE SCHOOL
NEED TO DO TO IMPROVE
FURTHER?
Asking to hear about aschool’s
targets is asensible way to
get advanced warning about
aschool’s weaknesses. Even
‘Outstanding’ schools have
targets for further improvement
included in
their
Selectiontimeline
•31st October 2018 is the closing
date for completed applications
•1st March 2019 is ‘National
Offer Day’. Parents can log onto
their local authority’s website
to see their offer, after which
letters will be posted out.
How can Icontact my child’s teachers
and how often will they contact me?
Ofsted reports. Visit reports.
ofsted.gov.uk to arm yourself
with background information
before each school visit.
Who to ask? The Head
IS CAREER GUIDANCE
ON OFFER TO PUPILS AS/
WHEN THEY WANT IT?
With access to advice on
possible career paths and higher
education options pupils can fuel
their passions, find inspiration
and make informed choices
throughout their secondary
school life.
Who to ask? Teachers and
pupils
HOW ARE BULLIES AND
BADLY-BEHAVED PUPILS
DISCIPLINED?
This question gives aschool
the opportunity to explain its
behaviour policy and the rules
it enforces on issues such as
banned items, lateness and
standards. Find out how
pupils who break the
rules are treated. For
example, is detention
imposed, are fights
physically broken
up and are pupils
removed from class.
A school’s approach
to bullying must also
be included in the
behaviour policy.
Who to ask? The
Head, teachers and
pupils
IS THERE A POSITIVE
SCHOOL SPIRIT AND CAN
PUPILS CONTRIBUTE TO
THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
Apositive school spirit can add
greatly to achild’s education
and opportunities to volunteer
on community projects can help
them to develop valuable skills
and life experience. Stories of a
school’s contribution to their local
community (think charity initiatives,
environmental projects etc) are often
picked up and published by the local
media, so keep your eyes peeled.
Who to ask? The Head, pupils
and internet searches
Finally, don’t forget to ask your
child where they think they’d
be happiest. Perhaps the best
choice of secondary
school
jumps straight out to your child
based on their friends’ choices
or the facilities offered by certain
schools, for example, a swimming
pool or dance/performing arts
studios. Add their opinion to the
mix before weighing
up the benefits
of each school
and submitting
your selection
this October
31st.
Take the opportunity to see how
much information you’ll receive
from the school, beyond the
annual parents’ evening and
annual school reports, and how
much interaction with teachers
you’ll be expected or able to have.
Are urgent messages, such as
school closures communicated
via text or email? Could you
expect to see letters being sent
home with your child? Are parents
encouraged to email teachers
directly? And if so, under which
circumstances?
Who to ask?
The Head and teachers
www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 Primary Times 13

Teaching children to
differentiate fact
from fiction online
Karthik Krishnan, Global Chief Executive Officer of the
Encyclopaedia Britannica Group, highlights the challenge
that learners (plus teachers and parents) can face due to
unsubstantiated information on the Internet.
Igrew up using the beautifully
bound Encyclopaedia
Britannica books in the
library. Perhaps you did, too,
unless you were fortunate enough
to have aset at home. At the time,
this big row ofbooks was our
central source of knowledge.
With the advent of the Internet,
people switched from using
printed encyclopaedias to sourcing
information online because of the
ease of access.
However, while alot of
information on the Internet comes
from credible sources, sadly
ahuge portion of it doesn’t.
Examples of fake information on
the Internet include, “NASA runs
achild-slave colony on Mars!”,
and “photos taken by aChinese
orbiter reveal an alien settlement
on the moon!”
Unfortunately, current search
engine algorithms are not yet
advanced enough to differentiate
between plausible and credible
information. Anumber of people
are taking advantage of this
limitation and their understanding
of the search algorithms
to get their own biased or
unsubstantiated views to the top
of the search engine results page.
So where does this leave
parents and teachers, who
recognise the incredible value
of the learning content on the
Internet, but resist allowing
children uncontrolled access due
to the unreliable quality of the
information? It leaves them looking
for credible sources of information,
sources they can trust and don’t
have to doubt.
Yetfinding credible information
on the Internet has become an
ordeal. In our busy lives we all,
and especially children, tend to
stick to the first few results on the
search page and walk away with
‘an’ answer, even if it may not
be true; and it puts the future of
knowledge at risk.
For 250 years Britannica has
curated and provided trusted
information to the world and
helped knowledge evolution. As
abrand that deeply cares about
human progress, our mission is to
help people cut through the noise
and discover reliable information in
engaging ways; we all place ahigh
value on convenience.
The opening sentence on the
first page that Britannica published
in 1768 says, ‘UTILITY ought to
be the principal intention of every
publication. Wherever this intention
does not plainly appear, neither the
books nor their authors have the
smallest claim to the approbation
of mankind.’ This remains
imperative to meet the user’s
needs in today’s digital world, now
more than ever before. The media
we work in may have changed, but
our mission has not.
So how can we help
teachers, parents
and pupils to spot
fake news?
CHECK THE SOURCE
It might sound silly,but agood
starting point is to always check
the source.Thereare hundreds
of newspapers, magazines and
websites, and while many provide
legitimate information, some are
known to be unreliable.So, look at
what you’re reading,what the URL is
or who has quoted the information
–and don’t be afraid to second
guess it. Comparethe results to
other sources and makesurethe
information you’re using is reliable
and accurate.The moreyou do this,
the moreyou’ll get used to knowing
wheretogofor trusted content!
LOOK FORLESSON
PLANS AND ACTIVITIES
It’simportant to help students
acquiretheir ownskills and habits
of mind to separate fact from fiction.
One waytoencourage this is to look
for online tips, resources and lesson
ideas that will help them identify
anything rogue.For example,just
from aquicksearch you can find
lesson activities exploring ‘The five
‘W’sofwebsite evaluation’, quizzes
of real-life examples to test their
skills, and whitepapers and video
clips providing guidance on how
to makemoreinformed decisions
about news.
ASK THE EXPERTS
If time permits, why not try
visiting the local libraryfor
further information or consider
downloading an app or extension
that automatically fact-checks and
verifies information for you? There
areplenty of fact-checking websites,
but one example is the ‘Britannica
Insights’ Chrome browser extension,
whichisafreedownload that will
automatically highlight trusted
sources and information at the topright
corner of asearch results page
on the web.This wayyou can feel
moreconfident in separating the
facts from the fiction!
14
Primary Times BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham

22/08/2018 14:30
Film & DVD
Preview Guide
Johnny English Strikes Again
Johnny English Strikes Again is the third installment of the Johnny English comedy
series, with Rowan Atkinson returning as the much loved accidental secret agent. Seven
years after Johnny English’s last film,
the new adventure begins when a
cyber-attack reveals the identity of
all the active undercover agents in
Britain, leaving Johnny English as the
secret service’s last hope. Called out
of retirement, English dives head first
into action with the mission to find
the mastermind hacker. As a man
with few skills and analogue methods,
Johnny English must overcome the
challenges of modern technology to
make this mission a success, and to make sure this latest mission isn’t his last.
Johnny English Strikes Again is a film not to be missed, and will be released in
cinemas on 5 October. For more information and to view the trailer, please visit www.
johnnyenglishmovie.com.
Mary and the Witch’s Flower
Mary and the Witch’s Flower is the exciting and surprising adventure of Mary, an
ordinary twelve-year-old girl. Mary arrives in the village
of Redmanor to stay with her Great-Aunt Charlotte.
Bored and lonely during the summer holiday, Mary
follows an odd cat into the nearby woods where
she stumbles upon a ‘fl y-by-night’, a rare fl ower that
blooms once every seven years. Our heroine is spirited
away to Endor School, a college for young witches and
warlocks. There, she meets Madame Mumblechook,
voiced by Kate Winslet, and Doctor Dee, voiced by Jim
Broadbent. At Endor, all is not as it seems, and Mary
tells a lie that leads to peril. Confronting great danger
and testing her resolve, Mary will have to summon
her inner strength if she is to understand the true
power of the Witch’s Flower. This stunning fi lm is a
sublime blend of magic and fantasy that will sweep
you along with its charming, heartfelt adventure. Mary and
the Witch’s Flower is available on Digital, Blu-Ray and DVD on 10 September.
The Breadwinner
The Breadwinner tells the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl growing up
under the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001. When her father is wrongfully arrested,
Parvana disguises herself as a boy in order to
support her family. With dauntless perseverance,
Parvana draws strength from the stories her
father told her, and ultimately risks her life to
discover if he is still alive. In equal parts thrilling
and enchanting, The Breadwinner is a timely and
inspiring tale about the transcendent power of
stories, and their potential to unite and heal us
all.
Produced by Angelina Jolie and based on
Deborah Ellis’ bestselling novel, The Breadwinner
combines various styles of animation, such as
cut-out animation, to provide the film with a
strong visual cue when venturing from the real
world, Parvana’s experience in Kabul, to the
story world, her imagination. The Breadwinner
will be available on digital download on 17
September and on DVD on 24 September.
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN
To be in with a chance of winning a first prize bundle of books and
Mary & the Witch’s Flower on DVD or one of 2 runner up prizes of the
DVD, send an email to competitions@primarytimes.biz with ‘Mary & the
Witch’s Flower’ as the subject by Friday 21 September. Don’t forget to
include your name, age, address, school and contact telephone number.
Win a family ticket to
Disney On Ice presents Dream Big
High-flying jumps, breath-taking skating and lovable Disney friends!
Courage leads the way, cutting the icy stage for Disney’s most adventurous dreamers at
Disney On Ice presents Dream Big.
For the first time in Europe, join fearless Moana and the greatest demigod that ever
lived, Maui, on an action-packed voyage to restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti, live on
ice! Get tangled up in Rapunzel’s hair-raising quest to see the floating lights. Travel to
mountainous Arendelle with Anna, Elsa and Olaf in a dramatic retelling of the sisterly
love that saved a kingdom. And discover the strength, bravery and kindness that inspired
generation after generation with Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Belle and Cinderella.
Plus, arrive early to join Mickey’s 90th anniversary in honour of Walt Disney’s ‘True Original’,
Mickey Mouse. High-flying jumps, breath-taking skating and lovable Disney friends make
Disney On Ice presents Dream Big an experience your family will never forget.
Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is at Arena Birmingham from 19th -28th Oct
(no performances on 22nd Oct)
For a chance to win a family ticket for four to the Opening Night of Disney On Ice
presents Dream Big at 6.30pm on Friday 19 October 2018 at Arena Birmingham,
simply answer the question below:
What is the name of the “demigod” in the film “Moana”
A: Maui B: Cinderella C: Goofy
Closing
Date
1st October
2018
Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/birmingham/competitions
A Family Ticket to visit the
Stratford Butterfly Farm
Be enchanted by the beautiful butterflies in the Flight Area.
See the some of the world’s largest, spikiest, hairiest and
most camouflaged caterpillars in the Discovery Zone and
explore the Minibeast Metropolis - one of the largest insect
collections in the UK.
To win a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children just answer
the following question:
Where will you find the leafcutter ants and amphibians?
A. In the Flight Area
B. In the Discovery Zone
C. In the Minibeast Metropolis?
Closing
Date
8th October
2018
Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/warwickshire/competitions
coMPETITIONS
www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | BACK TO SCHOOL Issue 2018 Primary Times 15

FREE
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MATHS AND ENGLISH STUDY
ANY CHILD, ANY ABILITY
1 SEPTEMBER - 31 OCTOBER
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