Families South East London September/October 2023 Print

Do you have a child in year 5 or 6?

Our FREE online maths test will help you identify the gaps in your child’s knowledge and the areas requiring further improvement. Go to aepublications.co.uk to take our test.

• Do you know your child’s current mathematical ability?

• Is your child’s maths strong enough for their transition to secondary school?

Take our free test to find out.

After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology.

* There is no requirement to provide an email address to access the free test.

** An email address is required should you wish to receive further information, including the explanation video.

Welcome

The new school year rolls around again and your child is heading off to school, hopefully with a big smile. Leaving you with perhaps just a little time on your hands to delve into our great Education feature and explore how to support your child’s learning this year.

Before you know it, it will be time to get excited about half term and Halloween. So take a look at our fab costume ideas!

Look out for our fabulous True and the Rainbow Kingdom Mushroom House Playset giveaway! Apply inside and you’ll ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Congratulations to all competition winners in our May/June issue. You can find a list at https://bit.ly/MJ23giveaways

www.globalcamps.co.uk

Contact us

Editor Linda Stone editor@familiesselondon.co.uk 020 8241 0423

Sales Patricia Holloway patricia.holloway@familiespublishing.co.uk 07980 556813

Design Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk 07789 882467

Next issue: November/December

Booking deadline: 2 October

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

Calling all young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth through school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s BabyLab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies

I can be

This product is made of material from wellmanaged, FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources.

BL A

Our girls are encouraged to be brave, ambitious and curious through our Mighty Girls Challenge programme.

Where girls boldly go blackheathhighschool.gdst.net

Celebrating different learning styles

Just as none of us look the same, everyone is born with tendencies towards certain learning styles when developing literacy, language and motor skills. Recognising your child’s learning style is important in understanding how they access their learning, particularly if they appear to be struggling in certain areas.

Visual learners rely on what they see. Encourage them to use visual aids, sit at the front of the class and write down or draw information.

Kinesthetic learners learn best through doing and moving. They benefit from using tools, acting out or role-playing new information and having freedom of movement.

Auditory learners learn best through hearing and listening. Engage in discussions about what they are learning, read stories out loud and repeat information.

Solitary learners absorb information independently of other people. Let them make notes and recite back, provide quiet learning spaces and give opportunities for sharing their learning. Verbal learners respond well to written or spoken words. Play word games, use rhymes, acronyms and mnemonics, read their writing aloud, encourage discussion and debate.

Logical learners use logic and structures in order to learn effectively. Provide problem-solving tasks, challenge them to work things out for themselves and have them verbalise ideas and answers.

Identifying your child’s learning style

Observe how your child naturally interacts with the world around them and also note weaknesses: what types of tasks do they find challenging?

Watch how your child expresses themselves. Children will be more expressive through their natural learning style. Auditory learners express themselves best through words whilst visual learners are more apt to reveal their emotions through facial expressions. Kinesthetic learners use more body language and may seem unable to stop themselves fidgeting.

Consider your child’s interests. These will likely reflect their learning styles. Auditory learners usually show an interest in music and sounds. Visual learners often have interests both in reading, watching TV and looking at interesting objects. With kinesthetic learners, look for an interest in physical activities.

See how your child solves problems. Children lean into their learning styles. Auditory learners tend to talk through and discuss possible solutions whilst visual learners use their eyes to solve problems. Kinesthetic learners will usually try to solve problems with their hands.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Empowering girls to forge their own path

Founded in 1887, Sydenham High School, GDST, is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18 years where academic and pastoral excellence go hand in hand.

A high achieving school, its exceptional learning opportunities ensure that every girl has the chance to reach or exceed her potential, that individual strengths are harnessed and young minds enriched.

The school’s original Anglo Saxon motto ‘Nyle ye drede’ means ‘fear nothing’ and underpins all that the school does. Selective and diverse, Sydenham High welcomes girls with wide-ranging talents and backgrounds into a close community large enough to offer choice and flexibility but compact enough to ensure no girl is overlooked.

Self-belief and happiness, alongside a ‘can do’ approach enables its girls to thrive, succeed and leave Sydenham High equipped with the skills and confidence to prosper. Find out more at one of its open events (details on page 9).

www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

Being flexible around learning styles

As important as it is to understand and support your child with simple strategies to help them learn in the way that suits them best, it’s also helpful to encourage and embrace new ideas and a more flexible approach to their learning.

Recent research has concluded that teaching children to use one specific learning style over others may not be entirely beneficial within the classroom setting. Sticking to what you perceive as your preferred learning style can create limitations, giving a false belief that learning can only be managed in one particular way. The most important thing is for a child to have the time to self-reflect on how they learn best and to be encouraged to experiment with tackling problems from a variety of angles.

It is also important to note that over time a child’s learning styles can change as they develop and progress through their own personal growth and their educational journey. Every child is unique and learning style is just one part of the greater way that your child learns.

The perfect setting to shape your child’s future

} Focusing exclusively on cutting edge Early Childhood Education (age 2+ to 7+), the most crucial period in a child’s life.

} Embedding key values and developing ‘the whole child’ through a unique, continuous fiveyear curriculum.

} Transitioning seamlessly from play-based to more structured learning, preparing the children to move on at 7+ into Year 3 at independent or state schools – with that special Herne Hill School spark.

} Unique Reception Cycle for 3+ year-olds with a bespoke and ambitious curriculum that is fun, fun, fun.

} Expert staff operating under the ethos of Love · Care · Excellence in which children excel and learn with fun and enthusiasm.

} Extensive wrap-around care from 7.45am to 4.45/6pm depending on the year group.

“I knew it was right

when

Something just felt right, like he belonged there.”

Meet the Head

What do you like best about being Head of Dulwich Prep London?

The school is a vibrant community that feels like a family, with values at its heart and academic excellence as the constant and achievable aspiration. No day is the same, and my job is the best in the world as a result.

In three words, how would the students describe you?

Approachable, kind, firm, but fair. What aspect of the school’s offering are you most proud of?

The diversity of the community and curriculum. The way we support boys to be the best versions of themselves in character and achievement. The bubble we create so they can discover themselves and prepare for their future lives.

Dulwich Prep London is a boys’ prep school from age 3. What are the key benefits you offer young boys?

We nurture their natural curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through daily play-based tasks indoors and outdoors, including weekly Forest School lessons. They become independent and learn to think for themselves. Initiative is praised, and the resulting self-confidence helps children develop a positive attitude towards learning, enabling them to succeed.

How are your personal values reflected in those of the school?

I judge myself by high moral standards. Yet as adults, we don’t always get it right, nor, of course, do children. Boys will make mistakes along the way to becoming future change-makers, so we offer a safe space in which they can reflect and honestly confront these. Above all, I believe in showing love and helping boys talk confidently about love in all its forms.

Meet the Head Special feature

briefings. Then, because we feed into over fifty top senior schools, including London day schools and the very best UK boarding schools, families attend a personalised meeting to discuss the process of finding the right school for their son. I spend time with all the children so I can write their references; we are ‘with’ our families every step of the way.

What is your biggest challenge and achievement as Head Master?

How do you strive to ensure the pupils at Dulwich Prep London are happy?

We’re proactive in our approach to wellbeing and values, weaving these through the curriculum so children feel safe and supported. We also have a Wellbeing Suite with a full-time counsellor.

What qualities make a perfect teacher?

Perfection is a massive ask and suggests that teachers and pupils shouldn’t fail. Yet the best learners are those that feel challenged to grow. Great teachers have humanity, compassion, and tenacity; they really care. Lessons and children don’t always go to plan, so good teachers can think creatively outside the box to respond to the children’s needs. My job has never felt like one; it’s always felt like an honour and privilege to make a difference. I’m keen that all staff have this passion too.

How do you work with parents to ensure that every boy goes to the right senior school for them?

This begins in Year 4 with year-group

We are opening a senior school, starting with Year 9 in 2025 and will go to age 16 year-on-year thereafter. This amazing and immensely rewarding journey began before the pandemic and was announced this June; the support from schools and parents is phenomenal. We still have hurdles to overcome, but this is the most obvious way to offer parents greater choice whilst whole-heartedly supporting our Prep School as a feeder to other schools.

How do you ensure the school offers opportunities for boys of all abilities and interests?

Participation in our co-curricular programme is inclusive, valued and strongly encouraged from Year 1, allowing pupils to build friendships, enjoy shared experiences and care for others. By Year 3, we run over one hundred and fifty weekly clubs and provide wrap-around care; if there’s demand for something, we’ll find a way to include it.

What is your most useless skill?

Face painting. But even that’s helpful at children’s parties!

What is your real-life superpower?

Dogged determination to do what is right for children.

What are you known for?

For speaking my mind on boys’ education and the need to ensure that we don’t lift up one gender at the expense of another. For caring that others do well and preferring them to take the limelight.

Early bird or night owl?

An early bird who is also a night owl by virtue of being a Head Master!

Strictly or Last Night of the Proms?

Both, but I prefer dancing to watching, so if I had to choose - Last Night of the Proms.

Dulwich Prep London is a boys’ preparatory school and will extend its provision to incorporate a senior school from 2025. For more information, visit www.dulwichpreplondon.org

Do you have a child in year 5 or 6?

AE Publications is passionate about children’s numeracy and helping them achieve their full potential.

If your child is in year 5 or year 6, do you really know how well they are doing in maths? Well, AE Publications’ FREE online maths test will show you. Their test covers all the main subject areas of the maths curriculum for this age group. It is crucial that your child’s numeracy is strong enough for their transition to secondary school, otherwise they will struggle not only in maths but also in other subjects such as physics, chemistry, IT and design technology which all require a good understanding of numerical elements.

AE Publications’ free online maths test comprises thirty questions and is designed to give you accurate information about the current level of your child’s maths ability.

Depending on their performance, the result will also trigger recommendations and suggestions as to how AE Publications’ maths materials can help your child improve in year 5 or year 6.

To take their free online maths test, go to www.aepublications. co.uk

After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology.

There is no need to provide an email address to access the free test and receive your child’s percentage score. An email address is only required should you wish to view a full breakdown of the questions your child has answered and to also receive further information, including a link to the explanation video

and a coupon code to redeem against a FREE Maths Bonus Pack (includes a Times Tables Workbook 2 RRP £9.99) when purchasing an AE Publications KS2 Maths Year 5/6 Book Bundle.

For over twenty years, AE Publications has been supporting children to improve their English and maths skills and offers a range of ‘how-to’ workbooks, test books and test packs, all rigorously classroom-tested, which help your child improve their educational attainment.

The workbooks contain stepped-out examples with full explanations. The test books will reinforce your child’s technique and knowledge and the test packs should be used for final exam preparation. The methodologies have been successfully used in AE Tuition classes for over thirty years and are also used by a large number of tutors across the country.

AE Publications’ SATs Maths series and Times Tables series are dedicated to ensuring every child has a sound understanding of numeracy skills.

More info at www.aepublications.co.uk

Making the most of Parents’ Evening

As the new school year gets going, many parents will be anticipating talking to their child’s teacher(s) at a Parents’ Evening. Depending on the school, these consultations will happen at least once a year, sometimes more frequently. If your child is in Reception, this may be a new experience; if you have older children, you may have been to several or even many Parents’ Evenings already.

It’s almost impossible to ask questions of teachers at school drop-offs and pick-ups, so for most parents, the booked Parents’ Evening slot is the only real opportunity for a proper chat with their child’s teaching staff. Therefore it’s really important to maximise the time available in these one-to-one consultations and make sure you get all the information you need.

What to expect

While Parents’ Evenings will vary slightly in format from school to school and year to year, at a minimum you should expect to hear how your child is performing in numeracy and literacy against the expected levels for their age group.

Much more information will be conveyed as your child gets older. Consultations may also cover your child’s behaviour, levels of effort and social and emotional development.

Be prepared

This may sound obvious but unless you want to risk discovering that all the questions you want to ask have vanished from your head, write them down in the run up to Parent’s Evening to make sure you cover them.

Let the teacher speak

If you do have specific questions, it’s best to let the teacher speak first so that they can cover everything they need. The exception is if you need clarification or your question is related to what is being discussed at that moment.

Don’t compare

Try not to focus on comparing your child’s progress with his/her peers or even siblings. The teacher will focus on how your child is achieving against expected levels for their age. It isn’t useful to ask how their performance compares to others in the class. Stay focussed on your own child.

Focus on your child’s level of effort

Don’t underestimate the importance of effort. This is as important as achievement as it reveals a lot about your child’s behaviour, character and motivation. How your child gets on with teachers and peers socially is also very important.

For a quick overview

Ask about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. This will give you a good idea of their overall performance and help you identify the areas in which you should be offering more support at home.

Deal with unexpected news productively

You may hear something about your child that you are not expecting. If this is about a negative aspect of their behaviour or performance in a specific learning area, this may be difficult both to hear and accept.

Try not to get defensive. A teacher I spoke to told me of a consultation during which a father became very accusatory and angry, insisting that the teacher’s perception was incorrect as his child ‘didn’t struggle at home.’ If you do hear something unexpected, ask how you can work with your child to better support them. Teachers may have already prepared a response to this question in advance.

Writing notes

Don’t attempt to write more than a couple of bullet points while the consultation is happening, otherwise you may miss something important that’s being said.

Justina Gapper is mother of twins, journalist and communications specialist.

Afterwards

Write a summary

Now is the time to make a written record of what was said. This can be useful to show other family members but also as a reminder for yourself in the coming months.

Don’t worry, you can see the teacher again

Don’t fret too much if you do feel that there was something that you wanted to talk about but didn’t get the chance. Ask to meet the teacher again, even on a regular basis, if you feel this is warranted.

Involve your child

Parents’ Evenings are about your child, of course. If they are old enough, ask them which aspects of their learning or behaviour they think their teacher might bring up. Discuss it with them, so you are better prepared for the meeting. Note any questions they’d like you to ask.

Afterwards, highlight all the positives that came up. Talk with them about their teacher’s feedback, specifically any home support you might be able to offer if there are particular areas they’re finding more challenging.

Independent school open days

South East London is home to some of the most respected independent schools in the country. Many offer scholarships and discretionary bursaries which contribute towards the fees, making them well worth considering in the search for your child’s next school. Open Events need pre-booking; see websites for a flavour of the school and to register your interest.

Blackheath High School GDST, SE3

Independent girls’ school, 3-18 yrs. www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net

Whole school open morning: 30 Sep

Junior school open morning: 10 Oct

Seniors: 12 Oct

Plus regular taster days.

The Pointer School

Nursery-11yrs, boys and girls. https://pointers.school

Open events: 21 Sep, 5 Oct, 2 Nov. Plus regular midweek open mornings.

St Dunstan’s School, SE6

Independent co-ed, Nursery-18yrs www.stdunstans.org.uk

Whole school open day: 23 Sep

Riverston School, SE9 Nursery-18yrs, boys and girls. www.riverstonschool.co.uk

Senior school open days: 18 Oct, 22 Nov

Colfe’s School, SE12 3-18yrs, boys and girls www.colfes.com

Whole school open morning: 23 Sep

The Laurels School, SE19

Independent senior girls’ school, 11-18yrs. www.thelaurelsschool.org.uk

Open morning: 23 Sep

Dulwich Prep London, SE21

Independent boys’ school, 3-13yrs. Nursery: boys and girls. www.dulwichpreplondon.org

Open morning: 23 Sep

Dulwich College

Independent boys’ school, 4-18yrs. www.dulwich.org.uk/admissions

Year 7 entry: 12 Sep, 22 Sep, 12 Oct

Lower School Tours: 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 17 Oct

Year 9 entry: 13 Sep, 26 Sep

Rosemead Preparatory School

Independent prep school and nursery. www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

Open morning: 7 Oct plus group and individual show-rounds.

Oakfield Preparatory School

Independent co-ed prep school. www.oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk

Open days plus private tours available.

James Allen’s Girls’ School, SE22 Independent girls’ school, 4-18yrs www.jags.org.uk

Prep open morning: 7 Oct

Senior School: 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 7 Oct and 12 Oct

Booking required.

Children in England ranked fourth globally for reading

Primary school children in England have ranked fourth in the international rankings for reading.

The latest results in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study - known as Pirls - saw England’s rank jump from eighth position into the top five.

Based on tests taken every five years, the study places countries in a global education league table. Singapore scored the highest result, with an average score of 587. Second was Hong Kong with an average score of 573, followed by Russia (567) and England (558).

The Pirls tests are taken by children ages 9 and 10, normally Year 5 pupils in England, at the end of the school year. Overall, girls were ahead of boys in their reading achievement in nearly all of the ranked countries but the gender gap has narrowed in the most recent testing round.

More info: www.iea.nl/studies/iea/pirls

Alleyn’s Junior School

Independent co-ed school. www.alleyns.org.uk

Open events and tours available.

Herne Hill School, SE24

Independent co-ed pre-school and preprep, 2-7yrs. www.hernehillschool.co.uk

Open morning: 30 Sep, plus regular tours.

Sydenham High School GDST, SE26

Independent girls’ school, 4-18yrs

www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

Whole school open morning: 16 Sep

Prep open mornings: 26 Sep, 10 Oct & 8 Nov

Senior school open mornings: 28 Sep, 9 Nov

Bromley High School GDST, BR1 & BR2

Independent girls’ school, 4-18yrs. www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

Whole school open morning: 23 Sep plus regular taster days.

Bishop Challoner School

Independent co-ed school

www.bishopchallonerschool.com

Whole school open day: 23 Sep

James Allen’s Girls’ School Autumn Open Events

Find out more about JAGS including our free and subsidised places.

jags.org.uk

Let’s enjoy sensory play

Sensory activities enrich children’s play by encouraging them to engage their senses and explore and understand the world around them, sparking their imaginations and developing curiosity. Stimulating children’s senses supports their cognitive development, language and communication skills, physical, social and emotional development.

Sensory play can be magical - there are so many reasons why I love it. We discover the wonders that life brings when listening to birds in the trees and feeling grass between our toes. It offers little ones (and their grown-ups too) the freedom to explore, get messy, go wild and have heaps of fun. Sensory play can be incredibly simple too.

Here are some suggestions:

Cork boat races

Nature confetti

Ready, set, go! Your child can make super-simple cork sailing boats, then have a boat race across the bathtub. Safety first: don’t forget adult supervision is always required when a child is playing with water.

Go and grab… corks, elastic bands, triangular pieces of paper, colouring pens, cocktail sticks, an optional straw. A bathtub or tray of water.

Line up three corks in a row. Pop an elastic band around them at each end to hold them together.

Make a paper sail and use the colouring pens to make a pattern. Push a cocktail stick carefully through the sail for a mast (adults, probably best you do this), then slowly stick it into the middle cork.

Ready to set sail? Brilliant! Set the boats afloat in the bathtub or a tray of water and see which one crosses the finish line first. Sails need wind, don’t they? Show your child how to use a straw to blow wind into the sails. How fast can the boat go?

Let’s explore it!

Pop some toys on the boat. How many can it carry? Which toys are too heavy and sink the boat? Take the boats outside: can you sail them in a puddle?

It’s time to go exploring in the garden or park for differentcoloured leaves to make some beautiful nature confetti.

Go and grab… a collection bowl and some shape-punchers. Find a selection of leaves of different colours and shapes, avoiding prickly, stinging or dangerous plants. Slide each one into the shape-puncher and make holes all over the leaf. Fill the bowl with the little shapes, taking care to keep little fingers clear of the puncher. What will your child want to do with their nature confetti - stick it on a picture maybe, or sprinkle it on the grass?

Let’s hear it!

What sounds can your child hear outside? Leaves rustling, bees buzzing, birds singing and dogs barking…

Story stones

Katie Still (aka Instagram’s Playful Wonders) is the author of Playful Wonders, a new book jam-packed with sensory play ideas. The book is published by DK and available from www.bookshop.org

Let your child’s imagination run wild by creating some story stones to invent their own story!

Go and grab… paints and paintbrushes or colouring pens. A small bag or basket. Storybooks if you need some inspiration. Go outside and collect some stones. Can you help your child find flat-ish ones that are all different shapes and sizes? Next, ask your child what they will paint on their story stones. Maybe characters from a book or animals; or simply things that they love? If drawing is too tricky, your little one can use stickers on their stones.

Once they’ve finished, pop the stones into the bag or basket and your child is ready to play. Ask them to take out the first stone. What drawing is on it? It’s over to them to make up a story around it; they decide what happens! Then they pull out a second stone - what’s the next part of the story…?

Let’s make it!

What sounds can your child make to accompany their story: the splash of waves maybe or the hum of an insect?

Girlguiding and Scouts today Building resilience, confidence and wellbeing

Girlguiding has been a part of millions of girls’ lives for one hundred and thirteen years and counting. Set up because girls wanted an equal world with the same opportunities as boys, impressive progress has been made since it began. But things can still be tough for girls. With many facing high expectations and anxieties in every area of their lives, they can be limited by gender stereotypes and face barriers to accessing the things they need to feel happy.

In Girlguiding’s annual Girls’ Attitudes Survey, two in three girls and young women ages 11 to 21 said that being part of a youth organisation makes them feel accepted and more connected to others. Girls in Girlguiding are more confident than their peers, with nearly nine in ten saying they like being the way they are, compared with just six in ten who have never been in Girlguiding.

Youth groups such as Girlguiding and Scouts are equipping young people with transferable life skills such as leadership, money management and teamwork. A recent report from Demos has demonstrated how skills learnt from Scouting can make a significant difference to employability.

Guides today can still earn badges, in an updated programme which includes mindfulness, self-care and media criticism. Girls are also supported to develop emotionally, mentally and physically so they can make a positive contribution to their community and the wider world.

Empowering girls for more than a hundred years, Girlguiding is committed to doing the same today, with a keen focus on what drives, challenges and excites girls. Whether that’s the thrill of trying a new activity, singing around a campfire, enjoying the

Benefits for future health

Research from a University of Edinburgh study shows that the benefits of Girlguiding and Scouting even continue into later life, with the all-encompassing activities they offer outperforming other after-school clubs and activities.

As a result of being supported in their personal development, adults who have been involved in Girlguiding or Scouting are more likely to have self-reported excellent health at age fifty compared to their peers, including better mental health in later life.

The research also found that those who had been in Girlguiding or Scouts had a better chance of social mobility, which can have a positive knock-on effect for better health. According to researchers, their findings suggest that going to Girlguiding and Scouts helps to develop skills such as resourcefulness and teamwork. These key characteristics help people to build resilience against everyday stresses in life.

Girlguiding’s programme provides a safe space where girls can develop their own resourcefulness and self-reliance. Add to that the wealth of healthy outdoor activities and it’s clear to see the lifelong benefits for health and wellbeing.

buzz of earning a new badge or emailing her MP about the issues she cares about; it’s a space where she can be herself, get creative, explore and most of all, have fun.

Meanwhile, Scouting embraces an inclusive Skills for Life strategy that encompasses teamwork, leadership and resilience and this has not gone unnoticed in the world of employment. The report highlighted that over half of Scouts felt ready for the world of work compared to a third of those who did not participate in any extra-curricular activities. With many employers struggling to hire people with teamwork skills or emotional resilience, these transferable skills are currently in huge demand.

For more information about joining Girlguiding visit www.girlguiding.org.uk and Scouts www.scouts.org.uk

Why choose performing arts classes for your child?

A range of research studies have found that students who participate in the arts demonstrate a higher academic performance and test results AND perform better in areas that contribute to success outside the classroom, such as participating in community service and being elected to class office.

There are many other benefits too:

Self-confidence

Aspects of performing arts, especially improvisation, help children understand how to appraise situations, think outside the box and be more confident in unfamiliar situations. They learn to trust their ideas and abilities and apply them at school and in life. Equally, dance helps build self-confidence with each new routine practised and mastered.

Imagination

Being creative and learning to make creative choices helps children think of new ideas, allowing them to view the world around them in different ways. Remember Einstein said: ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’

Empathy

Understanding characters, roles and the sub-text of plays and musicals allows students to relate better to different situations, backgrounds and cultures they encounter in real life, encouraging them to show compassion and tolerance for others.

Concentration and memory

Practising, rehearsing and performing develops the abilities and skills necessary for children to be able to focus their minds, bodies and voices and improves their memory. Memory requires exercise, just like a muscle!

Communication and socialisation

Dance and performing arts are highly social activities. Children learn how to work as part of a team and develop a greater sense

of trust and co-operation, while making new friends. They also develop their listening and observation skills. Acting improves vocal projection, articulation, tone of speech and expression.

An effective performing arts class embraces both extroverted and introverted children. Combining the creative ideas and the abilities of all participants is required for the best outcomes. This requires all those taking part to engage in discussions, feedback, rehearsing and performance.

Physical health

Dance improves flexibility, coordination, balance, range of motion, stamina, muscle tone, strength and posture. Performing and dancing on stage also helps children develop spatial awareness, become less clumsy and pay more attention to others sharing their space. They can feel more at home in their own skin.

And, lastly, of course, it’s all great fun!

Find your feet at South London Dance School

South London Dance School has provided high quality performing arts education to children and adults since 2009. Within its own professional Herne Hill dance studios, weekly classes range from baby ballet to street dance and musical theatre, supported by strength and flexibility classes.

The school holds regular ISTD examination sessions in which its students achieve outstanding results. It also presents annual performances, most recently at The Albany Theatre, where students performed a musical version of The Ugly Duckling, celebrating difference.

Principal, Zoe Dawson has developed a bespoke training system which allows the youngest children to master basic dance skills and experience the joy of dance and music through a creative approach, before embarking on more focused dance training. Zoe is involved with the work of her talented team of teachers to ensure that each child achieves their personal best as a dancer. Enrol now for this term. It’s advisable to begin classes in September as spaces are limited.

More info at www.southlondondanceschool.co.uk

Kickstart your autumn with a FREE Perform class

Perform classes use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, the classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

This term, children ages 4 to 7 will take to the skies with Phileas Fogg as they go on an amazing adventure Around the World. Whether walking like a wallaby in the outback or revealing the legends of the Egyptian pyramids, the new term will be filled with globetrotting fun!

Meanwhile, children ages 7 to 12 are going to the ball in a ragsto-riches rock show, Cinderella Rocks. This hilarious version of Cinderella features struggling band, The Ugglies, in their quest to top the charts with charming music mogul, Simon Prince. With all abilities welcome, the children will work towards an end of term performance for family and friends. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week!

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to find your nearest venue and to book a FREE class.

Classes are held in Beckenham, Bexley, Bermondsey, Blackheath, Brockley, Bromley, Camberwell, Chislehurst, East Dulwich & Dulwich, Eltham, Forest Hill, Greenwich, Herne Hill, Hither Green, Kidbrooke, Lee, Orpington, Peckham Rye, Petts Wood, Surrey Quays, Waterloo, Woolwich.

More about Perform’s weekly classes

Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s, designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.

To book a FREE class in one of the following venues, visit www.perform.org.uk/try, email enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120.

Beckenham: St George’s Church Hall, Beckenham Methodist Church

Bexley: St John Fisher Catholic Church Hall

Bermondsey: Bermondsey Village Hall

Blackheath: St Michael and All Angels Church Hall

Brockley: St Andrew’s Centre

Bromley: St John The Evangelist Church

Camberwell: Longfield Hall

Chislehurst: Chislehurst Methodist Church

East Dulwich & Dulwich: St Stephen’s Millennium Hall, St Barnabas’ Church Hall, Francis Peek Community Room, Goose Green Centre, St Barnabas’ Parish Hall

Eltham: Christ Church Community Centre

Forest Hill: St William of York Catholic Church Hall

Greenwich: The Forum

Herne Hill: The Prince Regent, Carnegie Community Hub

Hither Green: Lochaber Hall

Kidbrooke: St James Rectory

Lee: Church of the Good Shepherd

Orpington: Orpington Methodist Church

Peckham Rye: Amott Road Baptist Church NEW

Petts Wood: Lakeswood Hall

Surrey Quays: Time and Talents in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre

Waterloo: Waterloo Action Centre NEW

Woolwich: Artfix Woolwich

Come shine with Cosmos

Discover Cosmos Performing Arts, an outstanding performing arts school in SE15 run by dynamic sister duo, Emily and Freya. Its enriching experiences include musical theatre, singing and dance classes, holiday schemes and parties. The school’s programmes for children ages 3 to 11+ are tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners, making classes inclusive and welcoming for all.

What sets Cosmos Performing Arts apart is its commitment to bespoke learning and industry-standard education and its belief in the power of performing arts to build confidence and pave the way for future success. Experienced and qualified teachers bring real-world expertise, encouraging every student’s potential.

‘Emily and Freya are everything you could hope for: kind, caring, patient, fun and fantastic with children. The sessions are well run with variety that keeps kids entertained. The end of term performance was amazing; we can’t wait for next term!’ Cosmos parent.

Explore the world of Cosmos and find your passion nurtured, your growth assured and your unique voice celebrated. More info: www.cosmosperformingarts.co.uk

Enjoy a Code Kids tech class

Code Kids robotics and coding tech classes and camps are loved by children and parents.

For children ages 6 to 14, sessions cover everything from robot design, coding games, modding Minecraft, AI development and learning python programming.

Code Kids helps children unleash their STEM potential and become happy, confident learners who develop a passion for technology. Tutors are experienced teachers and tech professionals whose aim is to inspire young minds.

More at www.codekids.org

Splitting the parenting workload

The number of women in work has hit a record high at more than seventy five per cent in the UK. It’s great that we are gaining more equality in the workplace – except for one factor: women are still doing the lion’s share of the housework and organisation around kids, as well as the emotional heavy lifting.

Research from Stanford University has found that women still tend to take on a much greater proportion of childcare and household management in heterosexual relationships because they don’t feel entitled to put their own needs and time first.

The impact this overload can have is burn-out, numbness, emotional flatlining and even a dial down of their capacity to enjoy time with their kids. Women speak of feeling so overloaded that they want to quietly disappear in a puff of smoke.

One Mumsnet thread called: ‘Am I unreasonable to just pack my bags, disappear and leave everyone to it?’ crystallises the feelings of many women who feel too overwhelmed to enjoy their lives and who fantasise about being free of demands. A flurry of replies like: ‘If you let me tag along, I’ll bring cake’ and ‘I might do the same’ showed how much it touched a nerve.

With more paternity leave, dads working from home and outdated gender roles breaking down, we are moving in the right direction. But if you’re not there yet, what’s the best way to share the load more evenly?

Have

a re-balancing conversation

In an amicable, constructive way, draw up a list together of everything you and your partner both do to keep your home

going. This may include micro-tasks, like being the one who always applies sunscreen to the kids, who arranges birthday parties and organises childcare.

Compare lists and consider ways to share the jobs more evenly. Point out that having to remind your partner to do tasks puts more pressure on you and that if they take responsibility for something, like the laundry, they should see it all the way through from start to finish. Remember too that partners are not mind-readers.

Your partner may not have noticed the toll that the build-up of unequal balance is taking on you. Co-parents may also lack confidence or think they won’t do some tasks as well as you. Be prepared to offer non-critical training! Remember that not all tasks need to be done exactly the same way.

Tanith Carey is the author of Feeling Blah? Why Anhedonia has left you joyless and how to recapture life’s highs (Welbeck £16.99) available from www.bookshop.org

Write a ‘no-do’ list

Your brain has finite resources. It can’t multi-task. It can only rapidly switch attention, which is exhausting. When it feels like you have too many tabs open, your cortisol level can stay permanently raised, interrupting the workings of your reward system.

We are all familiar with the concept of to-do lists. But sometimes we need to write a ‘no-do’ list to intentionally reduce our mental load and free up more time for joy. The number of chores on your list may have built up because it feels easier to do them yourself and you haven’t had the time to train the people around you to share them.

When drawing up a no-do list, write a list of the things you do each week. With each, ask yourself: Do I actually want this or is it just expected of me?

Then decide which ones you can cross off and which ones you can delegate. Before dropping tasks, check first that there won’t be any negative consequences for you or anyone around you, as a result.

Halloween costume ideas

Kids love an excuse to dress up and Halloween provides the perfect opportunity. However, forking out to buy a brand-new costume, which is likely to only be suitable for just one night of the year, can seem wasteful, both in terms of the cost and the impact on the planet. If you have young children, all the black costumes and skeletons can sometimes be a bit scary too, so something a bit more colourful may be in order. So, why not try something a little different this year?

If your kids are anything like my daughter, then they will probably have already managed to amass a selection of costumes at home, which means you have a great starting point. With a little creativity, many of them can be upcycled or modified to create the perfect Halloween outfit, without having to break the bank. The skills and equipment required are very limited, so most people should have what they need at home.

Spooky scientist

This costume started life as a doctor’s lab coat! I then found some test tubes, which we had from planting seeds on a previous visit to an RHS garden and filled them with water and food colouring. I also re-purposed one of my husband’s old lanyards from a conference he went to and used it to create a name badge. I’m sure many of you will also have a small pair of Harry Potter style glasses you could add for the final touch. Then finish it off with some spiky green hair! This costume was very simple to put together and only an ipad/ laptop and printer were necessary for the name badge.

Day of the Dead

This began with a pink princess dress and a Frozen cape, which I covered in faux flowers I had stashed at home and some little wooden skulls that I had bought a few years ago from Hobbycraft for Halloween. I then found a headband covered in flowers (from the days when I used to go to fancy dress parties) and added some little skull beads to it that I found on Amazon. The only equipment required for this transformation was a glue gun.

Freaky fairy

What was once a Tinkerbell fairy dress, became a fairy outfit with a difference. I covered the wings in cobwebs from last year’s Halloween decorations and covered the wings and the fairy dress in green (glow in the dark) spiders. I also made a matching wand, using a stick from the garden and some leftover ribbons, felt and jewels. You could always make the wand more sinister, depending on the age of your child and how spooky they want to go. Again, I used the glue gun for this creation, along with a knife for cutting out the star for the wand.

Hopefully this has given you a few ideas to get started with your Halloween transformations.

Tamsin Ryan offers more costume tips and ideas for Halloween games on her kids’ party ideas site at www.icecreamandjelly.com

What’s on

All details are as provided when going to press. However, in case of changed plans, do double-check before setting out.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Totally Thames Festival www.thamesfestivaltrust.org

1 September - 1 October

Browse and book events taking place across all London boroughs. Spanning all age groups and interests, the programme includes photography exhibitions, art installations, workshops, dance, concerts, talks, community events and more - all about the river.

Lewisham Food Market

Cornmill Gardens, Elmira Street SE13 7BN

www.lewishamfoodmarket.com

First Sunday, monthly

Support local small businesses and stock up on tasty goodies at Lewisham’s new street food and produce market, set in an awardwinning park. 10am-4pm.

Paws in the Park Cator Park, Beckenham BR3 1NA www.pengese20.co.uk

10 September

The family-friendly dog show returns, with prizes galore, playtime, training tips, pet health and animal charity stalls. Food, craft beer and Pimm’s available for humans.

Greenwich & Docklands

International Festival

Greenwich, East London and City of London www.festival.org/gdif-2023

Until 10 September

GDIF is an award-winning festival of FREE outdoor theatre and arts. Events include theatre on a London bus, a swan ballet on water, circus, music and dance and an immersive dance show on a trampoline stage. The Acts of Hope theme will bring uplifting moments of reflection, creativity and celebration.

Friends of Mayow Park Dog Show

Mayow Park SE26 4JA

Friends of Mayow Park (FOMP) on Facebook

24 September

Calling pooch owners - enter your dog to showcase their looks, tricks or fancy dress! £2 per category, 11am-2pm.

Dyslexia Fair

Bell House, College Road, SE21 7BG

www.bellhouse.co.uk

30 September

Learn more about dyslexia, meet experts and discover useful resources. The event will include talks, advice clinics, workshops and exhibitors.

Sydenham Fun Palace

Sydenham Centre SE26 5XQ

www.funpalaces.co.uk

7 October

A day out for all where members of the public share their skills, talent and knowledge for free, such as the arts, diy, gardening and more.

New Scientist Live ExCel London E16 1XL www.live.newscientist.com

7-8 October

From live science experiments to talks by world-class scientists, up-and-coming researchers and the UK’s top academic minds, the educational and enlightening festival showcases the very latest in technology and science.

London Literature Festival Southbank Centre SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk

18-29 October

A festival for readers and book lovers of all ages, celebrating the written and spoken word. Free and family-friendly events during October half term include new books from Jacqueline Wilson and Jeffrey Boakye and a London premiere from Zeb Soanes with the Orpheus Sinfonia.

The Baby Show London Olympia W14 8UX www.thebabyshow.co.uk

20-22 October

Complete with hundreds of exhibitors, exclusive show offers, an abundance of celebrity appearances, expert advice and the opportunity to try before you buy, The Baby Show is a must-go for all new and expectant parents.

West Norwood Picture House

Norwood High Street SE27 9JU www.picturehouses.com

Sit back and enjoy a big-screen film in a cinema that welcomes families. Sessions include Watch with Baby, Toddler Time, Autism-friendly and a Kids Club.

Shakespeare’s Globe

New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com

Family Workshops

The Globe’s family workshops feature a range of activities and games based on Shakespeare’s best-loved plays.

21-24 October

Macbeth, ages 5-8 and 9-12.

22-25 October

The Winter’s Tale, ages 5-8 and 9-12.

Unicorn Theatre

Tooley Street SE1 2HZ

www.unicorntheatre.com

19 September - 15 October

The Tempest ‘We are such stuff as dreams are made on’... When the sorcerer Prospero conjures up a storm to shipwreck his enemies, he sets the scene for an enchanting tale of spells, monsters, revenge and romance. In this 75-minute show, The Tempest re-imagined for everyone aged six and over brings Shakespeare’s text thrillingly to life for younger audiences. This show is full of music and songs with brilliant comedy, breathtaking costumes and set design that will leave you overflowing with glee. Ages 6-11.

21 October

Skydiver

Prepare to soar through fluffy clouds where flocks of birds and butterflies flutter, in this multisensory dance experience for families. Ages 3-5.

11 November - 31 December

The Bolds

The Bolds live in an ordinary house on an ordinary street and they love to laugh. But they’re not ordinary people; they are hyenas! With live music and songs by Julian Clary and Simon Wallace, come and revel in the joy of being anything but ordinary. Ages 6+.

Various venues

www.byobcomedy.com

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. Shows feature a new line up of comedians each month with two acts plus a compere. Ages: grownups plus under 12 months.

Bromley: 11 September and

2 October

Greenwich: 14 September

Crystal Palace: 26 September and 31 October

East Dulwich: 12 October

Blackheath Halls

Lee Road SE3 9RQ www.blackheathhalls.com

7 October

Ben Garrod Ultimate Dinosaurs

Get ready to go on an exciting pre-historic adventure as Dr Ben presents an interactive, educational and highly entertaining dinosaur show. Ages 5+.

14 October

Edward Lear’s Dream

Step inside Edward Lear’s brilliantly anarchic world of nonsense rhymes and limericks. Embrace the silliness, dive into a sea of words, an absurd alphabet soup of poppycock and gobbledygook. Ages 3+.

21 October

Olaf Falafel’s Super Stupid Show Comedian and children’s author Olaf Falafel offers a family-friendly frivolity of truth-telling cheese, fishing, ducks, bumbags, sausages and maybe some drawing.

Southbank Centre

Southbank SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk

15 & 29 September, 13 October

Rug Rhymes

What rhymes with rug? National Poetry Library puppets Federico and Firebird can’t wait to tell you at a session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories. Ages 0-5.

1 September - 1 October

24 September

The Multi-Story Orchestra: In Too Deep

Feel the power of sound in a familyfriendly performance that invites you to get close to the orchestra before lifting you up with a joyous performance. Ages 7+

22 October

Fred and the Fantastic Tub-Tub Zeb Spoanes narrates his magical story for children, with live music by the Orpheus Sinfonia.

Bromley Churchill Theatre

High Street Bromley BR1 1HA

www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

17 September

Fireman Sam Saves the Circus

When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to become the star of a visiting circus. But his adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue? Age 3+.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com

Last Friday of each month

Family Fridays

Dance workshops for accompanied children, facilitated by a freelance lead and supporting artist and managed by the Learning & Engagement Department. Ages 2-4, all abilities.

25-26 October

Sleeping Beauty

Let’s All Dance bring the glittering classical ballet to life in a shortened production to engage young audiences. Ages 2-14.

Peacock Theatre

Portugal Street WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com

18 November - 30 December

The Snowman

Based on Raymond Briggs’ beloved children’s book and the subsequent animated film, The Snowman is a timeless story transformed for the stage with dazzling and whimsical sets, dancing and music performed by a live orchestra.

Various dates and venues

www.bachtobaby.com

Bach to Baby

Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for babies and their grownups. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like!

London Bridge: 10 September and 15 October

Greenwich: 17 September and 8 October

East Dulwich: 19 September and 17 October

Bromley: 16 October

Dulwich Village: 23 October

Horniman Museum and Gardens

London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk

From 10 September

Family Craft Saturdays

Free drop-in sessions inspired by the museum’s extensive collections.

17 September

Second Hand Sunday

Repurpose, recycle and reuse: alongside the regular Sunday market, local stallholders will be selling second hand clothes, books, toys and more.

Until 29 October

Brick Dinos

Some of the largest beasts to ever walk the earth have been recreated with Lego bricks by artist Warren Elsmore and his team. Hands-on children’s activities include build your own dinosaur and digging for fossils.

Brunel Museum

Railway Avenue SE16 4LF www.thebrunelmuseum.com

Housed in the Grade II listed Thames Tunnel Engine House, the museum celebrates the extraordinary tunnel, viaduct and bridge building engineering of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Brixton Windmill

Blenheim Gardens SW2 5DA www.brixtonwindmill.org

24 September

Harvest Festival

A free family event celebrating the wheat harvest, with live music, hot food and bakery stalls, craft and baking workshops for children.

29 October

Halloween Day

A free event with lantern carving, spooky children’s stories and Halloween arts and crafts.

National Maritime Museum, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/nationalmaritime-museum

Until 24 September

The Tempest and The Thames Discover the connections between Shakespeare, the sea and Britain’s maritime history. This special exhibition includes an edition of the first printed edition of Shakespeare’s First Folio, on loan from Dulwich College.

Queen’s House, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house

21-29 October

Half Term

Explore how artists, performers and other creatives have expressed their identity through the arts. Inspired by works in the collection, visitors can create masterpieces to express their identity.

Royal Observatory Greenwich Blackheath Avenue SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory

Various dates

The Sky Tonight

A live show taking visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky, complete with a fly-out to the edge of the visible universe.

Ages 7+.

Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

16-18 September

World Knot Tying Day

Have a knotty time with

Climb aboard for a Cutty Sark adventure

Bring the family to Cutty Sark in Greenwich for an actionpacked day out on this world-famous historic ship.

Meet the cast of colourful characters from the ship’s past, including the fearless Captain Woodget and hear stories about life on board the fastest ship of its time.

Find your sea legs and explore the main deck. Play interactive games and visit the Cutty Sark figureheads, part of the world’s largest collection of ship figureheads.

Follow a free family trail and discover how the ship’s crew lived and worked at sea in the age of sail. Treat the family to an unforgettable experience by climbing Cutty Sark’s iconic masts to see breathtaking views of London and get a taste of life as a 19th century sailor.

Book your tickets at www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

demonstrations, activities and talks on board ship. All ages.

7 & 8 October

Family Fun Weekend

Step aboard and set sail on a fantastic family adventure. Take part in creative workshops, meet characters from the ship’s past and sing along with the resident sea shanty singers.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Gallery Road SE21 7AD

www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

Art Sundays

Be inspired to make art together as a family in these free creative workshops at the Gallery.

Family Fridays

Free, expressive art-inspired activities for families.

Young V&A

Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.vam.ac.uk/young

The former Museum of Childhood is a joyful, buzzing and optimistic ‘doing museum’. Enjoy sensory playscapes, the Imagination Playground construction zone, performance and story-telling stage, plus an open design studio for children and young people.

National Portrait Gallery

St Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk

13 September, 4 October & 1 November

Little Explorers

Free monthly sessions where families explore the gallery and the collection through stories, songs and making activities in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Under 5s.

26 October

The Big Draw

This October half term, join in with a big, free drawing extravaganza! Explore drawing with the senses through fun, playful activities for all the family.

Natural History Museum

Cromwell Road SW7 5BD

www.nhm.ac.uk

Until 7 January 2024

Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur

Step into the world of one of the largest creatures to have ever walked the earth. You’ll learn how Patagotitan mayorum stayed safe, found food and kept cool as you follow its journey from tiny egg to towering head and shoulders above other Cretaceous critters.

Science Museum

Exhibition Road SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Daily Power Up

Enjoy playtime at the museum’s hugely popular hands-on video gaming zone, featuring over 160 consoles and hundreds of video games dating back through five decades of gaming.

Museum of London Docklands

West India Quay E14 4AL

www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ docklands

30 September & 1 October

Mudlarking Showcase

You won’t believe what mudlarks have discovered in the Thames! Come and see thousands of historic artefacts recovered from the muddy riverbed and meet the friendly mudlarks who found them.