primary times newcastle back to school 2012

75,000 copies for Parents, School Staff & Children

Newcastle3rd Sept - 15th Oct 2012

Issue 57

Unbeatable Coverage in the North East www.primarytimes.net

3Primary Times Newcastle

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free to 75,000 school children at over300 First, Primary and Middle Schools throughout Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, SouthTyneside & Northumberland.

Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events,courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate inthe magazine by adding to its contents or joining in competitions which we run.

Primary Times would like to thank all schools for their assistance in distributing the magazine andfor their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers. Copyright©Primary Times North East.

Contents

Publishing Editor & Advertising: Jan Stewart Tel: 0191 264 5909 Email: [email protected]. 1 Denehead Cottages, Hexham Road, Walbottle, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE15 9RX. Artwork: Spark Creative Design Ltd Tel: 01429 872291

Hi Everyone!Wow what an exciting Summer we have had – the Olympics wereamazing and I’m sure you all have some ‘good holiday’ memories too!

As we enter the new school year we would like to welcome all our firsttime readers and our regular readers too!

This issue is the first of the academic year and will be followed by anissue just before each school holiday. We will be covering all that ishappening locally for families and schools in our ‘What’s On ‘ section.We will also be bringing you some fab money saving offers along withloads of easy to enter competitions –with prizes from holidays totheatre tickets – we have it covered.

This issue gives a full guide to choosing a school for those looking attheir next step in education, along with helpful hints on making theprocess a little less arduous.

Don’t forget, Primary Times is for you and about you, so please let usknow about all your news and forth coming events in school – wewould love to hear from you.

So, enjoy your move into Autumn, and look out for our October HalfTerm issue.

Jan & The Crew at Primary Times.

Page 4 Experience the River Tyne Like Never Before!

Page 5 Family Cycling from Olympic Park to Exhibition Park

Page 6 Bees Diaries

Page 7/18 Your 12 Page Guide to Choosing the Right School

Page 19 Your What’s On Guide

Page 22 Seven Stories Book Reviews

Page 23 Theatre Guide

Scan the QR Code now todownload Primary Times to yourphone and then save it to yourhomepage to receive futureupdates and vouchers!

You can now download for FREE to your phone!Read it on the move!Catch up on WHAT’S ON near you!Have the latest vouchers to hand on your phone!

Meet the MeerkatsBirds of Prey Displays

Handle Mini Beasts & ReptilesTraditional farm animals plus Parma Wallabies,

Reindeer, Llamas, Fallow Deer & EmusCute fluffy bunnies & more in the Large Petting Barn

Indoor & Outdoor play areas - Adventure Playground, Soft Play Barn, Trampolines,

Frisbee Golf, Bouncy Castles, Racing Cars, Go-karts,Willow Maze & moreCafé & Gift Shop

FarmtasticFun whatever the Weather!!

Open daily Tue - Sun 10am - 5pm (Last entrance 4pm)

10% off admission with this voucher

Halloween Spooktacular Oct 21st, 22nd & 27th – 4th Nov

Prepared to be scared!!

Primary Times Newcastle 4

~Flow by Owl Project and Ed Carter

Experience the River Tyne like neverbefore, come aboard, make musicand more!

Bring the family to experience ~Flowbefore it sails off on Sunday 16September.

~Flow is a tidemill, a floating buildingon the River Tyne that generates itsown power using a tidal water wheel.Inside the building you’ll discoverhand-built fantastical musicalinstruments, designed by artists theOwl Project, all powered by the flow ofthe river.

Over 35,000 people have alreadyboarded this free to visit artwork onNewcastle’s Quayside.

Step inside to learn something new,whether about the river itself,

sustainable power sources, or theTyne’s industrial landscape of thepast and how it might change infuture.

Here’s what some visitors to ~Flowhave said;

‘It is a wonderful installation, partRoald Dahl and part Heath Robinson.It blew us away. More please!’

‘Bizarre, strangely compelling.Thought it has been created byoompa-loompas, though there werenone to be seen.’

Suitable for all ages and designed tobe accessible for all, ~Flow is open11am – 5pm Wednesday – Sunday,until Sunday 16 September. ~Flow isfree to board and requires noadvanced booking.

For up to date information about~Flow visit www.flowmill.org

~Flow is part of Artists taking the lead,one of twelve public art commissionsfunded by the UK Arts Councils,celebrating the London 2012olympics and Paralympic Games.

Experience the RiverTyne Like Never Before!


A perspective from oneof our reader parentson why we should allget on our bikes!Have you enjoyed the cycling at theOlympics too? It’s great to watch buteven better to do. Thanks to Wigginsand Trott, I’ve discovered the joys ofcycling with the kids. Our first ride wasjust down to the shops, but it got usout in the fresh air enjoying ourselvesas a family. It’s amazing how quicklyyou can get back into it and I’ve beencycling ever since. Our next trip was tothe library where we got a free cyclingmap from the council. We also pickedup a Cycle North East Guide andfound out about all the groups andcouncils in the region providing cycletraining, rides, races and even bikesfor children and adults. I even took up

a new sport Cycle Speedway, which isone of the many attractions at theNewcastle Bicycle Festival fromFriday 21st – Saturday 29thSeptember, 2012.

Exhibition Park plays host to a freeFamily Fun Day on Saturday 29thSeptember from 10am to 4pm.There’s something for all ages from amountain bike track to an actionbiking circuit. You can meet Dr Bikeand have a pedal powered smoothietoo. We can’t wait.

Richard’s children attend StBartholomews CoE Primary School inLongbenton, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Family Cycling from Olympic Park to Exhibition Park.

Hoopstarz is thenewest fitnesscraze for kids!!


It’s Bonnie here, Queen Bee of The Alnwick Garden. Finallythe weather has improved and I’m really enjoying thetemperature! You might have seen all my worker bees outfrom dawn until dusk visiting the colourful flowers andcollecting nectar, which is a sugary liquid that flowersproduce when it’s hot and sunny.

When the worker bees bring the nectar back to the hive,they make it into lovely golden honey. A worker bee onlymakes a twelfth of a teaspoon of honey during its wholelifetime - that’s a lot of work to make enough for you tospread on your toast in the morning!

There are ways that you can help us though – would youlike to do a very important job? Go and collect the seedsof flowers! Once the flowers have faded they make theirseeds, which you can gather and sow again next spring tomake another year of pretty flowers. All you need is apaper bag!

1. Snip off the flowers when the seeds are ripe - many of them will shake in their pods.

2. Leave them in a warm dry place until they are fully dry.

3. Shake the seeds into the paper bag.

4. Store them in a cool dry place.

5. Sow them the following spring!

This is nature’s way of producing more and more plantsevery year, and now you can help!

I hope you’ve had a chance to get to The Alnwick Gardento see me and my family in our observation hive in theRoots and Shoots Garden. Give me a wave next time!

See you soon, Bonnie.

For full information, please visit The AlnwickGarden website: www.alnwickgarden.com.

Hello my lovely friends!

BEE FACT OF THE MONTHWe bees have 5 eyes and see theworld in different colours, whichmeans we can spot flowers easier

Hoopstarz is one of the mostexciting, unique and engagingactivities available for children andyou will not fail to be impressed bythe enjoyment it creates and thesense of achievement thechildren gain from participating.The classes build confidence andself-esteem and promote theimportance of staying fit andhealthy.

They use up to date music in thesessions which adds to theatmosphere and makes it almostlike a party, with choreography,tricks and games, there are hoopwars to be won and skills to bemastered making it a high energy,fun packed session.

The hula hoop is over 50 years old.The only small upgrade with thehoops used are that they arelarger, slightly weighted andextremely durable. No technologyjust good old fashioned fun!

For more details or to book your child’s place at a Hoopstarzcentre, call 0191 4387632 or e mail [email protected]

Selecting a school that is rightfor your child is the mostimportant decision a parentcan make. Not only is it crucialto their future developmentand success, it is key to theirhappiness too.

The problem is, never havethe options open to a parentbeen so wide. From thebeginning of their educationthere are a wide variety ofnurseries to choose from.Either independent orattached to a Primary or FirstSchool, achieving the rightenvironment will ensure good

development in early yearsand ease the process ofprogression to mainstreameducation.

Middle Schools cater for 9- 13year olds and provide asmaller stepping stone from aFirst school, with all thebenefits of a smaller age spanwithin the schoolenvironment.

High Schools cater for 11-18year olds. These schools arefunded and directed by theLocal Education Authority.Academies are publiclyfunded independent schools

that receive some of theirfunding from the LocalEducation Authority. They areable to gain additional fundingfrom sponsors frombusiness, faith or voluntarygroups working with partnersfrom the local community.Academies vary in which agegroups they take, fromNursery induction, through toacceptance at 11 years and upto 18 years. The Academiesprovide a free education topupils of all abilities in line withthe maintained sector, andoffer a broad and balancedcurriculum.

12 PAGEPull Out

A Brief Guide to School Selection

Cardinal Hume Catholic SchoolWould like to welcome all prospective parents to our Year 6 Parents Information EveningWednesday 26th September 2012 6:30pm

The evening is very informal and will give parents the chance to findout more about our school before secondary school preferences needto be made. There will be an opportunity to listen to a presentationby the Head teacher, have a tour of the school, meet some of ourpupils and talk to staff from a variety of departments.Parents from all schools are very welcome to attend.

Further details about our school are available on our website www.cardinalhume.com or for further information about the admissions process you may contact Lisa Oakland, School Admissions Officer.

“Cardinal Hume is an outstanding school, providing a stimulatingand challenging environment for all its students” OFSTED 2008Nick Hurn, Head Teacher, Cardinal Hume Catholic SchoolOld Durham Road, Gateshead, NE9 6RZ, 0191 487 7638


NewcastleAll Saints Church of England College Trust Off West Denton Way, West Denton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE5 2SZ 0191 267 7036 www.allsaints.newcastle.sch.ukBenfield School Benfield Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4NU 0191 265 6091 www.benfield-school.co.uk Excelsior Academy Denton Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 6AF 0191 228 8400 www.excelsiornewcastle.org.ukGosforth Academy Knightsbridge, Great North Road, Newcastle uponTyne, NE3 2JH 0191 285 1000 www.ga.newcastle.sch.ukHeaton Manor School Jesmond Park West, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE7 7DP 0191 281 8486 www.heatonmanor.newcastle.sch.uk

Kenton School Drayton Road, Kenton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3RU 0191 214 2200 www.kenton.newcastle.sch.ukSacred Heart Catholic High School Fenham Hall Drive, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 9YH 0191 274 7373 www.sacredheart-high.org.ukSt. Cuthbert's RC High School Gretna Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 7PX 0191 274 4510 www.st-cuthbertshigh.newcastle.sch.uk

St. Mary's Catholic School Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7PE 0191 2153260 www.st-marys.newcastle.sch.ukWalker Technology College Waverdale Avenue, Walker, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 4LA 0191 2958660 www.walkertechnologycollege.co.uk

Walbottle Campus Hexham Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 9TP 0191 267 8221 www.walbottlecampus.newcastle.sch.uk

GatesheadCardinal Hume Catholic School Old Durham Road, Beacon Lough, Gateshead, NE9 6RZ 0191 4877638 www.cardinalhume.com.Charles Thorp Comprehensive School Main Road, Ryton, Gateshead, NE40 3AH 0191 4132113 www.charlesthorpcs.co.ukEmmanuel College Consett Road, Gateshead, NE11 0AN 0191 4602099 www.emmanuelctc.org.ukHeworth Grange Comprehensive School High Lanes, Heworth, Gateshead, NE10 0PT 0191 4212244 www.heworthgrange.org.uk Joseph Swan School Saltwell Road South, Gateshead, NE9 6LE 0191 4422000 www.josephswan.org.ukKingsmeadow Community Comp School Market Lane, Dunston, Gateshead, NE11 9NX 0191 4606004 www.kingsmeadow.org.ukLord Lawson of Beamish Academy Birtley Lane, Birtley, Chester-le-Street, DH3 2LP 0191 4334026 www.lordlawson.org.ukSt Thomas More Catholic School Croftdale Road, Blaydon, NE21 4BQ 0191 4990111 www.stthomasmore.org.ukThomas Hepburn Community School Swards Road, Felling, Gateshead NE10 9UZ 0191 4204555 www.thomashepburn.org.ukWhickham Academy Burnthouse Lane, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16 5AR 0191 4960026 www.whickhamschool.org

North TynesideBurnside Community High School St Peter's Road, Wallsend, Tyne & Wear, NE28 7LQ 0191 2598500 www.burnsidehighschool.co.ukChurchill Community College Churchill Street, Wallsend, Tyne & Wear, NE28 7TN 0191 2347200 www.churchillcommunitycollege.org

George Stephenson High School Southgate,Killingworth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 6SA 0191 2161115 www.gshs.org.ukJohn Spence Community High School Preston North Road, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 9PU 0191 2005220 www.johnspence.n-tyneside.sch.uk

Longbenton Community College Hailsham Avenue, Longbenton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 8ER 0191 2189500 www.longbenton.org.ukMarden High School Hartington Road, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE30 3RZ 0191 2006357 www.mardenhighschool.org.ukMonkseaton Community High School Seatonville Road, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE25 9EQ 0191 2979700 www.monkseaton.org.ukNorham Community Technology School Alnwick Avenue, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 7BU 0191 2005062 www.norham.n-tyneside.sch.ukSt Thomas More RC High School Lynn Road, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 8LF 0191 2588340 www.stmschool.org.ukSeaton Burn College Dudley Lane, Seaton Burn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE13 6EJ 0191 2361700 www.seatonburn.n-tyneside.sch.uk

Whitley Bay High School Deneholm, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE25 9AS 0191 2008800 www.whitleybayhighschool.org

South TynesideBoldon School New Road, Boldon Colliery, Tyne & Wear, NE35 9DZ 0191 5362176 www.boldonschool.com.Harton Technology College Lisle Road, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 6DL 0191 427 4050 www.harton-tc.co.uk.Hebburn Comprehensive School Campbell Park Road, Hebburn, Tyne & Wear, NE31 2QU 0191 4833199 www.hebburn.s-tyneside.sch.ukJarrow School Field Terrace, Jarrow, Tyne & Wear NE32 5PR 0191 4283200 www.jarrowschool.com.Mortimer Community College Reading Road, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE33 4UG 0191 4566511 www.mortimercommunitycollege.co.uk

South Shields Community School Nevinson Avenue, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 8BT 0191 4568929 www.sscschool.co.ukSt Josephs RC VA Comprehensive School Mill Lane, Hebburn, Tyne & Wear, NE31 2ET 0191 428 2700 www.stjosephs.uk.netSt Wilfrids RC College Temple Park Road, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 0PH 0191 4569121 www.st-wilfrids.orgWhitburn Church Of England Academy Whitburn, Tyne & Wear, SR6 7EF 0191 5293712 www.whitburncofeacademy.org

IndependentCentral Newcastle High School Eskdale Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4DS 0191 2016511 www.newcastlehigh.gdst.netChurch High School Tankerville Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 3BA 0191 2814306 www.churchhigh.comDame Allans Schools Fowberry Crescent, Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 9YJ 0191 2750608 www.dameallans.co.ukKing's School Huntington Place, Tynemouth, NE30 4RF 0191 2585995 www.kings-tynemouth.org.ukNewcastle School for Boys The Grove, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1NH 0191 2559300 www.newcastleschool.co.ukRoyal Grammar School Eskdale Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4DX 0191 2815711 www.rgs.newcastle.sch.ukWestfield School Oakfield Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4HS 0191 2553984 www.westfield.newcastle.sch.uk

Newcastle Secondary SchoolsBelow are contact details for secondary schools within Primary Times’ distribution area and are listedunder the respective Local Education Authority in alphabetical order. School visits and open daysnormally take place during September and October and details of these are made available viaprimary schools or the school’s website or the local authority.


Independent Schools aresolely funded by fees paid byparents and donations, andare usually charitable trusts.Most local IndependentSchools have an intake at anyschool age, though they dohave entrance exams at keystages, usually held at thebeginning of each calendaryear. Independent schools alloffer bursaries andscholarships to gifted andtalented children, whoseparents are unable to affordfees. They offer small classsizes and a curriculum which

is in tune with the NationalCurriculum but which isdetermined solely by theSchools Trust, meaning aflexible approach to delivery.

Though so many choices maymake school selection morecomplicated for parents, it

does however mean that, asall children are individuals, it iseasier to tailor the choice tobest suit the child. Soremember to include them inyour selection process! If theyfeel they have made the

decision as well as theirparents or carers, then theywill feel more confident abouttheir next move.


PONTELAND COMMUNITY MIDDLE SCHOOLCallerton Lane, Ponteland, NE20 9BHTel: 01661 824853

For Prospective Pupils and Parents6:30pm - 8:30pmThursday 27th September2012

‘An Outstanding Schoolwhere Pupils Thrive’Ofsted 2008

Children and parents from all schools are very welcome to attend.O

pen Evening

Northumberland SchoolsNorthumberland Middle SchoolsNorthumberland is currently being re-organised with some areas moving from 3 to 2 tier education so not all areas have middle schools.Middle Schools cater for 9 to 13 year olds.Ashington Hirst Park Middle School Third Avenue, Ashington, NE63 9BE 01670 813111 www.hirstpark.northumberland.sch.ukBothal Middle School High Market, Ashington, NE63 8NT 01670 812360 www.bothal.northumberland.sch.ukCorbridge Middle School Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5HY 01434 632191 www.cms.ik.orgGuide Post Middle School Stakeford Lane, Choppington, NE62 5HQ 01670 822369 www.guidepost.northumberland.sch.ukHexham Middle School Wanless Lane, Hexham, NE46 1BU 01434 602533 www.hexhammiddle.co.ukHighfield Middle School Highfield Lane, Prudhoe, NE42 6EY 01661 833922 www.highfield.northumberland.sch.ukMeadowdale Middle School Hazelmere Avenue, Bedlington, NE22 6HA 01670 823170 www.meadowdale.northumberland.sch.ukOvingham Middle School Ovingham, Prudhoe, NE42 6DE 01661 833215 www.ovinghammiddle.northumberland.sch.uk

Ponteland Middle School Callerton Lane, Ponteland, NE20 9EY 01661 824853 www.pontelandmiddle.northumberland.sch.uk

Richard Coates C of E Middle Thornhill Road, Ponteland, NE20 9QB 01661 823167 www.richardcoatesponteland.co.ukSeaton Sluice Middle School Alston Grove, Seaton Sluice, NE26 4JS 0191 2370629 www.seatonsluicemiddle.org.ukSt Benedict's RC VA Middle School Moorhouse Lane, Ashington, NE63 9LR 01670 813658 www.st-benedicts.northumberland.sch.uk

St Joseph's RC VA Middle School Highford Lane, Hexham, NE46 2DD 01434 605124 n/aSt Peter's RC VA Middle School Northumbrian Road, Cramlington. NE23 6DB 01670 716343 www.st-peters.northumberland.sch.ukWhytrig Community Middle School Western Avenue, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0EB 0191 2371402 www.whytrig.northumberland.sch.uk

Northumberland High SchoolsNorthumberland High Schools cater for 13 to 18 year olds and Secondary schools cater for 11 to 18 year olds.Ashington Community High School Green Lane, Ashington, NE63 8DH 01670 812166 www.ashingtonhigh.northumberland.sch.uk

Astley Community High School Elsdon Avenue, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0BP 0191 2371505 www.astley.northumberland.sch.uk.Bedlingtonshire Community High School Palace Road, Bedlington, NE22 7DS 01670 822625 www.bchs.uk.net.Ponteland Community High School Callerton Lane, Ponteland, NE20 9EY 01661 824711 www.pchs.northumberland.sch.uk.Prudhoe Community High School Moor Road, Prudhoe, NE42 5LJ 01661 832486 www.pchs.org.uk.Queen Elizabeth High School Wheystone Bridge Road, Hexham, NE46 3JB 01434 610300 w1.qehs.net.St Benet Biscop RC VA High School Ridge Terrace, Bedlington, NE22 6ED 01670 822795 www.st-benetbiscop.northumberland.sch.uk.

The Blyth School Community College Chase Farm Drive, Blyth, NE24 4JP 01670 798100 www.bcc.uk.com

Northumberland AcademiesAcademies are publicly funded independent schools that provide free education to pupils of all abilities. Northumberland Academieswere established by sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups working with partners from the local community. They provide ateaching & learning environment in line with the maintained sector & offer a broad & balanced curriculum, focusing especially on one ormore subject areas.Bede Academy Sixth Avenue, Blyth, NE24 5SY 01670 545111 www.emmanuelctc.org.uk/ bedeacademy/

bedeacademy/

Cramlington Learning Village Highburn,Cramkington,NE23 6BN 01670 712311 www.cchsonline.co.uk.Morpeth Chantry Middle School Milford Road,Morpeth,NE61 1RQ 01670 512874 www.chantry.northumberland.sch.uk.Morpeth Newminster Middle School Milford Road,Morpeth,NE61 1RH 01670 513621 www.newminster.northumberland.sch.ukNorthumberland CoE Academy Lichfield Close,Ashington,NE63 9RX 01670 816111 www.ncea.org.ukThe King Edward VI School Collingwood Lane,Morpeth,NE61 1DN 01670 515415 www.kevi.info


These ten top tipsaim to guide youthrough theprocess of schoolselection. The aimis to ensure ahappy outcomefor you, the schooland mostimportantly yourchild. So, don’tforget to ask howthey feel too!

1. Separate your availableand unavailable choicesThis way you won't wasteany of your preferences ona school that you are noteligible for, or assume youcan't get into a schoolwhen actually you could.There are plenty of churchschools and academieswhich take a proportion oflocal children regardless offaith and/or ability. Readthe criteria carefully:schools and LocalAuthorities are allowed tochange them every year so

be sure you look at thecurrent ones and don't relyon hearsay. Independentschools also offer bursaryand scholarships, and arethe choice of manyparents, although they stilleducate only a minority of

children in this country. Ifyou cannot afford to sendyour child to anindependent school thenmake some enquiriesabout these financial aids ifyou are interested in anindependent education.

Ten Top Tips when Choosing the

Right School for Your Child.


There has been a long-running argumentbetween parents of thosechildren educatedprivately and those whoseoffspring attend stateschools. The dispute isusually about whetherstate schools orindependent schools arebest. Again, this is anargument you need toplace into context as thereare many variable factorsinvolved.

There is little dispute aboutexam results atindependent secondaryschools. Generally they arehigher than their stateequivalents. However, thatis not the end of theargument. There are manyreasons for thedifferences including thelarger sizes of class size instate schools and the factthat they take in a muchwider catchment of pupils.

2. Compare schools nottheir websites orbrochuresWebsites andprospectuses can give you

useful information butthey are marketing tools.(There are companies thatJUST write schoolbrochures and websitesand promise to make aschool look good). Youmust visit a school to get areal and true impression.

3. Weigh up the wholecurriculumGood schools offer muchmore than the subjectsyou expect to see on thetimetable. Know what thealternatives are and whatyou should expect as aminimum. Also make surethere are lots of extra-curricular clubs andactivities on offer to helpdevelop your child'sinterests and talents.

4. Compare the progressschools make with theirstudents not just theGCSE results theyachieveYou want the school to dothe best for your child andthis will mean differentthings for differentstudents but you DO wantyour child to make goodprogress over their years atschool.

5. Know which bits of theOFSTED report tell youwhat you need to knowfor your childThe OFSTED report will tellyou which aspects of aschool are poor, improving,good etc. For some thingsimproving is great news but

there are some parts of aschool that need to begood right now for yourchild to stand the bestchance of success.

6. Visit the schools

And when you are there,know what to look for.There are clueseverywhere to the kind ofcommunity the school isand whether that’s the kindof place your child willthrive. School and homeneed to work together, sobe sure to look forattitudes and valuessimilar to your own so yourchild isn't caught inbetween clashingexpectations at home andat school. Here are our topthings to look for.

1.Note who meets andgreets you. Are theresenior students proudly onduty to help you or ascruffy notice saying'Reception this way'?

2.. Look at the display inthe corridors. Is it 'real',celebratory, informativeand interactive? Does itask questions of the

viewer? Is it recent? Does itdraw in students to be partof a community, to thinkabout big issues, to formvalues and opinions? Is itthere for the benefit ofprospective parents orvisitors? Or is it out of date,out of touch and there tocover wall space?

3.. Look for the Head'soffice. It should be visibleand suggest a leader who isout and about and a rolemodel. If it's tucked away,look for signs that the Headis an active leader. Askstudents how often theHead does assembly,walks around the school,meets students informallyduring the day? Askteachers the samequestions.

4.. Go into classrooms fora range of subjects. Look athow the desks or tables arearranged. Rows suggestold- fashioned teachingwhere students interactonly with the teacher andnot with one another aslearners.

5.. Stand where a studentmight sit and look at theroom from a student's


perspective. Can you seedisplay so that you learnfrom the walls? Are therelots of well-organisedresources visible or is thereis a mess of torn books andpiles of unattendedpaperwork on surfaces?

6.. Seek out the toilets.Well- kept, accessible,offering some privacy ormiserable places to beavoided?

7.Watch for signs of clubsand activities held atlunchtime and afterschool. Is there an obviouslife in this school or is itback on the bus and homeat the end of the day?

8.Listen for the wayteachers talk to studentsand to one another. Are

they patronising andbrusque or is there awarmth and mutualrespect?

9.Look at where studentseat their lunch. Is it orderedand welcoming? Can theysit safely and eat socially oris it a queue in the coldthen a quick in and out withplastic cutlery.

Use the samecomparisons every whereyou visit and you’ll soonfind yourself becominginformed and confident.

7. Think about therelationships you see

And don’t forget, look atthe way the adults talk tothe students, not just the

way they talk to you. Theremay be a difference! Theopen evenings are staged,of course, but the waypeople treat each other isa good indication of how itis from day to day in theschool. Also think aboutyour own behaviour. Whatmessage will you send ifyou use your mobile phoneduring the visit, talk acrossyour student guide orarrive late to talks?

8. Think about the kind ofrelationship you wantwith the school

Each school worksdifferently in partnershipwith families. You need tomake an assessment ofwhether a school will meet

your needs. Think aboutwhat you have to give interms of time and supportto the school whilst yourchild is there. Someschools will welcome this.All schools will quitereasonably expect you tobe on the same side mostof the time.

9. Weigh up the facts andadd them to your ownperception

Gossip about schools isusually out of date so don’tlisten to it. Reputation,good or bad, tends to lagfive years behind thecurrent situation. And evenwhere some of the gossipis true, it may not be truefor your child. Anxiety and


competition can makepeople behave in odd anduncharacteristic ways,being less than honestabout their ownexperiences of a particularschool.

10. Listen toexplanations but don’taccept excuses

Adults not children makeschools safe andsuccessful. Be particularlyattuned to school staff whohave a low opinion of theschool's student body. Thatlow opinion could well bematched by lowexpectations. Staff who loveeducating have infectiousenthusiasm and high hopesof and for young people.

What You Can Do

Start Now. You have a lotof reading, thinking, talkingand looking ahead in thenext few months if you areto make a reallyconsidered decision. Don’tforget that the bestoutcome is one that isplanned and timedeffectively. This creates acalm and organisedenvironment at home, andallows your child the beststart at a new school.



Grasmere Academy A Letter from the Headteacher

On behalf of the staff, pupils and governors, I wish to welcome you all to Grasmere Academy.Whether you are new to the area, new to our school or already have children in school, you willreceive a very warm welcome to our community.

Grasmere Academy is an inclusive school as our belief is that every child has the right to succeed tobecome the best that they can be in their life. Our duty is to ensure that children acquire the necessaryknowledge, understanding and skills to take them forward in their learning. The curriculum atGrasmere extends beyond the classroom into the outdoors, the locality and beyond in order to makeit exciting and engaging for children.

Grasmere Academy provides a rich learning environment with committed staff and governors backedby dedicated sponsorship from North Tyneside Academy Foundation. Working in partnership withNorth Tyneside Learning Trust and George Stephenson High School, our ‘Outstanding’ feeder HighSchool, as well as benefiting from our membership of Shiremoor Teaching Schools Alliance, bringsenhanced learning opportunities for our pupils from the age of 3 years onwards.

In keeping with our aim to “foster high expectations of ourselves and others to help us to reach ouraspirations”, parents and carers are encouraged to play an active role in this journey and events areorganised for parents to understand how they can support their child’s learning.

Staff and children take great pride in being part of the local community and have developed links withlocal businesses, which support the school.

If you have any queries or comments about any aspect of school life, please contact the school on0191 2008343 and check out our website (coming soon) www.grasmereacademy.org.uk will also giveyou more information about life and learning as a member of Grasmere Academy.

Mrs Lesley Clelland, Headteacher

All events are free after paying

ALNWICK CASTLEAll events are free after payingadmission. Workshops are drop-in11am – 4pm & performances are at12noon and 2pm. For more infovisit www.alnwickcastle.com.

Every Day until Sun 30th Sept BROOMSTICK TRAININGLearn how to master your broom onthe very spot of Harry's first lesson!

Every Day until Sun 30th Sept CRAFTS & DRESSING UP INKNIGHT’S QUESTJoin the resident knights & ladiesof Alnwick Castle for a differentmedieval craft each day.

Sat 29th & Sun 30th SeptPOTTER-INSPIREDCHARACTERSPut on your best robe a& meet thevisiting wizards for magic &laughter.

ALNWICK GARDENUnless otherwise stated events &activities are free after payingadmission with no bookingrequired. All events are drop in11am-4pm. Visitwww.alnwickgarden.com for moreinformation. Every Day until Sun 4th NovFLORA EXPLORER TRAILPick up a free trail card inadmissions when you arrive & let itguide you around The Garden,pointing out interesting featuresalong the way - perfect forobservant children & youngpeople!

Sun 9th SeptCREATURE CREATIONSA fun, animal-themed craftsession.

Sun 16th SeptBEE CREATIVELearn some curious facts abouthoneybees & make your own beeto take home!

Sun 23rd SeptHARVEST FESTIVALThe schoolchildren who have beengrowing food in our Roots & ShootsGarden will have their harvest ondisplay for the general public.There will also be fun ‘veggie pet’craft sessions for everyone!

Wed 26th SeptCOFFEE & CRAYONSFollowed by Sing with Me –Seedlings Programme. Come toThe Garden for this fantasticmovement & dance class fortoddlers.

Sun 30th SeptMINI BEAST SAFARIExplore The Garden during a minibeast safari, followed by a craftsession inspired by what youdiscover!

Until Sun 16th SeptemberFLOWQuayside, NE1 4STAn environmentally sustainablewatermill which floats on the RiverTyne, forming an interactive artsspace full of fantasticalmechanical devices.www.flowmill.org.uk.

Every Thurs until 20th Sept 3.30-5.30pmFAMILY SUMMER EVENTSLeazes Park, next to the lake,outside park keepers lodge.Tyneside Blue Gym Free FamilySummer Events. Suitable forpeople of all ages, although allchildren must be accompanied byan adult. For more information &to book a place contact Alene Leeon 0191 428 1144 or email:[email protected].


TERM TIME ACTIVITIES!FREE activities on throughout the day during term time and over half term.

Telephone 0191 259 9966 for more details.

We take great care to ensure all this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip … or promise!What’s On

Newcastle

North Tyneside

Gateshead

South Tyneside

Northumberland

Newcastle

Thurs 6th – Sun 9th SeptHERITAGE OPEN DAYSA free weekend of visitinghistorical places that are usuallylocked away. www.twhods.org.uk.

Sat 15th Sept BUPA JUNIOR & MINI GREATNORTH RUN plus GREATNORTH CITY GAMESThe UK’s biggest & most popularchildren’s running event, 5000children aged between 3 & 16 willtake part in a 1.5km Mini & a 4kmJunior Run along theNewcastleGateshead Quayside.Plus watch for FREE the GreatNorth City Games featuring someof the most recognisable names ininternational sport.

Sun 16th SeptBUPA GREAT NORTH RUNNewcastle – South ShieldsThe 31st staging of the Bupa GreatNorth Run – the world’s biggesthalf marathon. Starts on the GreatNorth Road in Newcastle &finishes on the Links at SouthShields. www.greatrun.org.Sat 29th Sept 10am-4pmCYCLING FAMILY FUN DAYExhibition ParkThis free event aims to encouragemore people to get out on theirbikes & discover the great

opportunities for cycling in thearea for children & parents. Theevent is being organised on avoluntary basis by Mark Patersonwho runs the cycling weakly cyclegroup at the RVI.

Fri 26th Oct – Sun 4th NovJUICE FESTIVALVenues acrossNewcastleGatesheadNewcastleGateshead’s award-winning festival for children &young people.

EVENTS AT SEVENSTORIESThe Centre for Children's Books30 Lime Street Newcastle uponTyne NE1 2PQ 0845 271 0777www.sevenstories.org.ukUnless indicated, no bookingrequired & events are Free afterpaying admission charge. Bookingfee is in addition to admissioncharge.

Every Saturday & Sunday10.45am & 3pm CREATIVE CRAFTWork as a family or an individual &try out some of the techniquesused by real authors andillustrators! Make your own craftycreation to take home with youand take a sneaky peak at some of

Seven Stories Collection of originalartwork and manuscripts. With adifferent activity every weekendthere is something for you to enjoyagain and again. Ages 4+.

Sat 8th & Sun 9th Sept ROALD DAHL RIDDLES &RHYMES!Drop in all day to celebrate aswishwifflinglyscrumdiddlyumptious Roald DahlDay full of snozzcumbers &whopsy-waddling. A weekend fullof craft activities & story tellingcelebrating one of the world’s beststory tellers.

Starting Tues 18th Sept 1.30-2.30pm or Thurs 20thSept 10.15-11.15am BOOKWORM BABIES6 week block session during term time.Babies just love books! JoinBookworm Babies & share thebest baby books with your littleones & meet new mums. Togetherexplore new ways to play withbooks including singing, moving &props while having lots of fun in arelaxed atmosphere. Booking essential. £15 perparticipating baby for a 6 weekblock, accompanying adult feerequired. Under 4s admission free.Adult annual pass recommended.

Wed 19th Sept 6pmCELEBRATING LEILA BERGDavid Almond celebrates the life &work of Leila Berg, a woman knownfor her passionate advocacy ofchildren. This is a rare opportunityto view unseen archive materialfrom the Leila Berg archive. ForYoung Adults & Adults. Bookingessential £10 per person includesadmission fee.

EXHIBITION OPENING INOCTOBERA VIKING’S GUIDE TO DEADLYDRAGONSInspired by Cressida Cowell’s Howto Train Your Dragon series, thisexhibition will take visitors into real& imaginary worlds inhabited byVikings & mystical dragons

DISCOVERY MUSEUMBlandford Square, NE1 4JATel: 0191 232 6789.www.twmuseums.org.uk/discovery

Until 14th Jan 2013HOME & AWAY: NE SPORT &THE OLYMPICSThe rich sporting history of theNorth East over the last 200 yearsare celebrated in this exhibition.

LAING ART GALLERYNew Bridge Street, NE1 8AGTel: (0191) 232 7734www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing

Sat 6th Oct 10.30am-12 noon SATURDAY ART CLASSES FOROVER 8’SOn the first Saturday of eachmonth, enjoy some Saturday artfun! Develop different arttechniques, using the Laing'sexhibitions as inspiration. Theclasses are £4 & there is no needto book. Tel 0191 2112102.

THE HATTONGALLERYThe Quadrangle, NewcastleUniversity, NE1 7RUTel (0191) 222 6059www.twmuseums.org.uk/hatton.

Every Saturday 1.30 – 3.30pmHATTON ART CARTFree art activities for children &young people in the gallery everySaturday.

LIFE Centre for Life, Times Square, NE1 4EP.www.lifesciencecentre.org.uk

Sat 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th SeptSIX FOR £6.00*In Saturdays in September from8th Sept enjoy six fabulousactivities for just £6 per person!*Meet some furry friends & exoticanimals & learn about theirhabitats & habits! Join the ScienceExplainers as they show off theircircus skills including platespinning, illusions & holograms.Enjoy LIVE shows in the North’sbiggest planetarium where youcan gaze at the stars & learn howto spot the planets &constellations in the night sky.Join the race for first place onHover Chase, Life’s NEW 4DMotion Ride**Drop some beats in the CuriosityZone with the help of theReactable Machine & Music Maker.Join in the laughs with the hilariousnew Science Theatreshowincluding a giant pooperscooper to clean up after a messypuppy – go along & see the crazycontraption in action! *£6 per person or £16 for a familyticket (family ticket admits 1 adult& 3 children or 2 adults & 2children). **The Motion Ride has aminimum height requirement of1.2m/4ft.For more information visitwww.life.org.uk



Every Monday & Wednesday5.30-7.30pm GR84ALL! YOUTH CLUBYouth Club for children withdisabilities or additional needs &their siblings. Now hold twosessions Monday 5.30-7.30pm atNorth Tyneside AdventurePlayground in Shiremoor & onWednesday 5.30-7.30pm at FuzzyEd's in the Magic Lantern NorthShields. Tel. 0191 280 8163 or visitwebsite for more details.www.pathways4all.co.uk

Fri 14th, 21st & 28th Sept 8-10pmTWILIGHT BAT BRIGADEWallsend Hall GroundsAn evening adventure to learnsome bat facts. Using electronicbat detectors, you're guaranteed afew close encounters exploringtheir habits & nocturnal behaviour.Suitable for children who areallowed to stay up until 10pm. Cost£2.50 per person. Tel 0191 6437897.

STEPHENSONRAILWAY MUSEUMMiddle Engine Lane, North Shields,Tyne & Wear, NE29 8DXTel (0191) 2007146www.twmuseums.org.uk/stephenson Open 11.00am - 4pmWeekends & School Holidays. Admission Free.Train rides are available at11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm &2.30pm on Sundays. Cost Adults£2.45, Child/Conc £1.20, Family£6.10 (2 adults & 2 children).

Sat 15th & Sun16th Sept 11am-4pmHISTORY ALIVE1812!Gibside NTTravel back in time &catch a glimpse ofGibside in 1812. Seethe 68th DurhamLight Infantry set upcamp at Gibside &discover how 19thcentury Geordiesoldiers & theirfamilies lived &fought with a livinghistoryencampment. Freeevent but normaladmission chargesapply. Tel 01207541820.

Sun 30th Sept 11am-4pmFAMILY SCULPTURE DAYSaltwell ParkGet creative with all the family &build your own unique artwork in aday. This year’s theme is ‘Wondersof the World’. All materialsprovided, just bring along your ownhammers, warm clothes & ideas.Live music from local bands. FREEentry, small charge for nails, Rakupottery & tool hire. Tel 0191 4338420.

Sun 30th Sept 10am-4pmGIBSIDE BOWSGibside NTSee the historic pursuit of LongBow archery - made popular bythe aristocracy in the 18th century- brought to life in front of GibsideHall by the Gibside Bows. Freeevent but normal admissioncharges apply. Tel 01207 541820.

Sat 6th Oct 11am-3pmFARMER’S MARKETBill Quay FarmFree family event, just turn up &enjoy local food stalls, tasters,demonstrations, music & crafts inthis mooovellous day out! Tel 01914335780.

Sat 13th & Sun 14th Oct 11am-3pmAPPLE WEEKENDGibside NTCelebrate Gibside’s historic appletrees with apple & cider tasting,juicing,bobbing & other games.Free event but normal admissioncharges apply. Tel 01207 541820.

BALTIC CENTRE FORCONTEMPORARY ARTGateshead QuaysTel: 0191 4781810 [email protected]

Every Sat & Sun 2 – 4pmBUSY B’S Hassle free, no need to book – justdrop-in and get stuck in.Activities for young artists inspiredby our exhibitions. Suitable forchildren 12 years and under withtheir families. Children must beaccompanied by an adult.Admission FREE.

THE SHIPLEY ARTGALLERYPrince Consort Rd, Gateshead,NE8 4JB Tel 0191 4771495.www.twmuseums.org.uk/shipley

Every Wednesday 10.15 -11.15am during Term TimeSHIPLEY SCAMPSA fun arts & crafts session suitablefor children aged 2 - 4 offering arange of creative activities alongwith singing & stories. Sessions are£2 per child.

Sat 8th & Sun 9th Sept 10am-4pmFOOD & HARVEST FAIRBede’s World, Church Bank,Jarrow, NE32 3DYEnjoy free entry in to Bede's Worldthis weekend & explore their

special Food & Craft Fair. There'llbe stalls with delicious treats, freshproduce & handcrafted goodsplus the kids can also join in withharvest festival fun activities. Tel0191 489 2106.www.bedesworld.co.uk

Sat 8th (11am-4pm) & Sun 9thSept (2-5pm)ROMAN FORT DAYArbeia Roman Fort, Baring Street,South Shields, NE33 2BBLearn all about life as Romansoldier on this guided tour of theFort. This is a great opportunity tofind out more about thisfascinating Roman site, which isthe finest reconstructed Romanfort in Britain &it’s free entry! Tel0191 4561369

SELFSTORAGE

Brewery Lane, Felling, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE10 0EY

email: [email protected] Tel: 0191 438 1616

www.thestorageplace.co.uk

from £10.00 per weekFREE MOVE-IN VAN

North Tyneside

Gateshead

South Tyneside


Sat 8th Sept 11am-5pmSOUTER LIGHTHOUSE OPENDAYCoast Road, Whitburn SR6 7NHSouter was the first lighthouse inthe world designed & built to bepowered by electricity. Enjoy freeadmission as part of HeritageOpen Days. Tel 0191 5293161.

Sun 16th Sept 11am – 4pm CLASSIC CARS Seaton Delaval Hall NTMorris Minors on display in theCourtyard. Tel 0191 2379100.

Sun 16th, 23rd & 30th Septfrom 2.30pmBANDS AT BELSAYBelsay Hall & GardensEvery Sunday, one of the region’sbest traditional bands will playoutside on the lawns at BelsayHall. Adults £7.70, Child £4.60,Family £20.00. Tel 01661 881636.

Sat 22nd Sept 11am - 4pm HARVEST FAIRSeaton Delaval Hall NTProduce & craft stalls, withautumn gardening activities forkids. £2 entry to Fair only. Tel 01912379100.

Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd Sept11am-4pmWARTIME WALLINGTONWallington NTStep back in time & find out whatlife was like on the Home Frontduring World War II. Follow thefamily trail to find out what it waslike to be an evacuee atWallington, see wartime vehiclesin the courtyard & hear about thereal children who were evacuatedto Wallington during the war. Smalladditional charge for someactivities.Tel 01670 773600.

Wed 26th Sept 11am-3pmADULT TASTER BUSHCRAFTEXPERIENCECragside NTThis one day workshop gives youan insight in to the world ofcampcraft & outdoor living skills.Learn about shelter, fire, water &food in a woodland environmentwhile having a great fun day out.Cost £25.00 (NT Members£20.00). Booking essential. Tel0844 2491895.

Sun 30th Sept 11am-3pmWOODLAND HERITAGE DAYWallington NTMeet the Countryside Team whomanage Wallington's vastwoodland & explore all things to

do with wood. There will bepractical demos of wood working& woodland crafts such aschainsaw carving, axe throwing &horse logging. Small additionalcharge for some activities. Tel01670 773963.

Sun 7th Oct 10.30am-12noonBONKERS FOR CONKERSPlessey Woods Country Park,NE22 6ANA morning of chestnut challengesinvolving conker foray &competitions for all ages. Cost £2.50. Tel 01670 824793.

Sat 20th & Sun 21st Oct 10am-5pmWALLINGTON FOOD & CRAFTFESTIVALWallington NTCelebrate the variety & quality offood & crafts from across theregion. Enjoy over 80 stalls offantastic local produce along withdemonstrations & children'sactivities. Reduced admissioncharges for this weekend - just £4for adults & children go free!Tel 01670 773600.

Sun 21st Oct 10am – 5pmAPPLE DAYCragside NTA celebration of this humble fruit.See a selection of over 40 apples,displayed in the Orchard House &enjoy delicious apple recipes inthe Tearooms. Free event butnormal admission charges apply.Tel 01669 620333.

Sun 21st Oct 11am-12.30pmAUTUMN TREE WALKBolam Lake Country Park NE20 OHEEnjoy the delights of the Autumncolours with activities for children.Finishes with a warming cuppa!Adults £2.50 child £1.00. Tel 661 881234.

ANGELINA BALLERINA@THESUNDERLAND EMPIRE Jasmine Walton from Coquet ParkFirst School, Whitley Bay.

BEAMISH WILD FAMILY TICKETS Samantha Butler from SS Peter &Paul RCVA Primary School, SouthShields.

Anna Watson from St Josephs RCPrimary School, Sunderland.

ICE AGE 4 FILM Charlotte O’Brien from ArchbishopRuncie First School, Gosforth.

Sam McKnight from RavensworthTerrace Primary School, Birtley.

Peter Lumbard from BridgewaterPrimary School, West Newcastle.

CompetitionWinners

Seven Stories is the first museum in the UK whollydedicated to the art of children’s books. The Seven

Stories Bookshop offers the best in children’sliterature and gifts. Entry to Seven Stories Bookshop

is free, so pop in and say hello or visitwww.sevenstories.org.uk/shop.

Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ. Tel: 0845 271 0777

www.sevenstories.org.ukSeven Stories is supported by Arts Council England and

Newcastle City Council. Registered charity number 1056812

Picture BooksKeith The Cat With The Magic HatSue HendraSimon and Schuster £5.99 Can Keith the cat convince his friendsthat the ice cream on his head isactually a magic hat? Or will it all end indisaster? A fun read aloud, laugh outloud story from the creator of Normanthe Slug with the Shiny Shell and Barrythe Fish with Fingers.

Confident ReadersMy Funny Family Chris HigginsHodder £4.99 Meet Mattie, when she worries her brain turnsto spaghetti, and when your family is thiscrazy there is always something to worryabout! Fortunately, reassurance is alwaysclose to hand in this first winning story aboutthe lovable Butterfield clan.

Tango Tangle - Strictly Come DancingChloe MelodyHodder Childrens Books £4.99Meet Mattie, when she worries her brainturns to spaghetti, and when your family isthis crazy there is always something to worryabout! Fortunately, reassurance is alwaysclose to hand in this first winning story aboutthe lovable Butterfield clan.

Advanced Readers ParanormanElizabeth Cody KimmelHodder £5.99 Norman isn’t afraid of ghosts, they’re hisfriends, pretty much the only friends he has,now Norman faces a race against time tostop the age old witches curse. Can he usehis ability to communicate with ghosts tosave the day? A spooktacular read.

The Mystery of Wickworth ManorElen CaldecottBloomsbury Publishing £5.99Paige and Curtis are reluctantly partneredduring a school trip. After finding a paintingthat has been hidden for many years andfollowing clues left by voices from the past,they find themselves thrown together on anunexpected mystery adventure that theyboth are desperate to unravel.

Northumberland

Family & Children’s ShowsTheatre What’s On Guide

Wed 12th Sept – Sat 3rd NovOLIVER!Starring Brian Conley as Fagin! Following a sell-out run in London’sWest End, Cameron Mackintosh’sfabulous new production, one of themost beloved British musicals ever,Oliver! is coming to the NewcastleTheatre Royal! Bringing vividly to life Dicken’stimeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who askedfor more, Lionel Bart’s sensationalscore includes Food Glorious Food,Consider Yourself, You’ve Got toPick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d DoAnything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long AsHe Needs Me & many more. Tickets from £15.50.

Tues 25th & Wed 26th Sept (Tues 1.30pm & 4.30pm, Wed10am & 1.30pm)THE GRUFFALOJoin Mouse on an adventurousjourney through the deep, dark woodin Tall Stories’ magical, musicaladaptation of the award-winningpicture book by Children's LaureateJulia Donaldson MBE and AxelScheffler. Meet a wheeler-dealerFox, an eccentric old Owl & amaraca-shaking, party mad Snake!Mouse can scare these hungryanimals away with tall stories of theterrifying Gruffalo, but what happenswhen he comes face to face with thevery creature he imagined...? Songs,laughs & scary fun for children aged3+ and their grown-ups.Tickets £10 (£8.50 schools &nurseries).

METRO RADIO ARENATues 9th - Sun 14th October DISNEY ON ICE PASSPORT TOADVENTUREMake imagination your destination!Disney On Ice takes audiences on afun-filled tour to four excitingdestinations, filled with favouriteDisney friends. Join Mickey & Minnieon a journey into the magical worldsof Disney’s The Little Mermaid, TheLion King, Peter Pan & Lilo & Stitch.Discover Ariel & Sebastian’senchanting undersea kingdom; visitthe Pride Lands with Simba & Nala;soar through starry skies with PeterPan & his sassy friend Tinker Bell; &say “aloha” to fun with Lilo & Stitch.Enjoy music, beauty and laughter in ajourney so magical, you’ll never wantto go home. Tickets from £13.00.

Sat 27th Oct 11am & 2pmCHRIS & PUI ROADSHOWCBeebies’ favourite double act Chris& Pui are bringing their road show totown. See Incy Wincy, HumptyDumpty, the Grand Old Duke of York& – “oh my woolly word!” – Little BoPeep all live on stage. Laugh, sing &

join in with the duo as they performsketches, rhymes & songs for pre-schoolers & their families.Tickets £11.00.

Thurs 1st Nov 2pmTHERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHOSWALLOWED A FLY!The People’s Theatre Companybring one of the world’s best lovednursery rhymes to life for the veryfirst time. This magical new show hasbeen written especially for parentsto enjoy with their children, so come& relive the delights of this mostcharming of tales with a feast of firstclass games, colourful animalcharacters & heart warming familyfun. Tickets £9.50, £8.50 conc £32Family.

Sat 3rd Nov 11am & 1.30pmTHE WHEELS ON THE BUSDeveloped with teachers to supportthe early years foundation stage, joinBuster the big red bus with all of hisfriends on their magical adventures,journeying through a song bookloved by all the family.Tickets £12, £10 conc, £35 Family.

Theatre RoyalBox Office 08448 11 21 21

Whitley Bay Playhouse

BOX OFFICE 0844 277 2771

Metro Radio ArenaTickel Hotline 0844 493 6666

Customs HouseSouth Shields0191 4541234

www.customshouse.co.uk


Win a Family Ticket to see The Gruffaloat The Playhouse, Whitley Bay.The Gruffalo is at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay, on Tuesday 25th &Wednesday 26th September 2012. Join Mouse on his adventurous journey,meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl & a maraca-shaking, party mad Snake plus the Gruffalo himself! Ticketscosting £10 (£8.50 schools & nurseries), are availablefrom the Box Office on 0844 277 2771 orbook online atwww.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk. or at thePLAYHOUSE Box office Mon-Fri 10am-4pm & Sat 10.30am-2.30pm.Primary Times Newcastle has teamedup with The Playhouse to give you thechance to Win a Family Ticket (2Adults & 2 Children) to see The Gruffaloat The Playhouse, Whitley Bay, by simplyanswering the following question:

Send your entry along with your name, address, telephone number & schooldetails to The Gruffalo Competition, Primary Times, 1 Denehead Cottages,Hexham Road, Walbottle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 9RX or by e-mail [email protected]. Entries must be received by Tuesday 18th September2012. The winner will be notified thereafter. The judges decision is final & there is nocash alternative.

Question:Which animalin The Gruffalo iseccentric & old?

Answer:

primary times newcastle back to school 2012

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