Latest News
News and Updates from the CU team
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6 Month Plan 2024
Thu 18 Apr 2024
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Happy April Everyone!
Tue 16 Apr 2024Welcome back everyone, we hope you had a super break with many of us celebrating Easter and Eid it was a lovely to come together and enjoy the spring season. We had a great time with our friends at Topsy Turvy and Boxtheniks this holiday where 30 of us came together from different schools to enjoy the season at Camp.
Just before we broke up ,our friends from Finastra came to the BT Gardens and worked with us on preparing the site for spring. We did lots of raking and sowing and planted daffodils and snowdrops together, it was lovely working together for the future of the site. Last weekend, the Lord Mayor of Westminster visited the site to see all that has been achieved there and hear about all of the hard work and support that has gone into the project.
With Spring in the air and the weather getting better, now is the perfect time to get out and about and see more of the exciting capital in which we live. There are so many places from which to take in London’s architectural tapestry and enormity – Primrose, Parliament and Muswell Hills or Alexandra Palace in the north; Telegraph Hill and Nunhead Cemetery in the south; the free viewing platforms in the One New Change building or The Garden at 120, or via the O2 or IFS Cable Car in the east; Portrait restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery in the west.
The Walkie Talkie building at Fenchurch Street – officially, but less excitingly, known as 20 Fenchurch Street – seems to be the preferred way to showcase the city from above: the view is excellent and free when you book a table at the smart Sky Gardens restaurant on the 14th floor, where three kids are allowed per adult.
There are obviously many more official ways to do it too, such as a London Eye pod or The Shard (they do a children’s afternoon tea – see number 6, below). Alternatively, try the lesser-known option at Westminster Cathedral: zoom up 94 metres via a lift at its St Edmund’s Tower in the Campanile to look out over Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, BT Tower and far beyond.
Been up the Shard? There’s Leather-market Gardens play area, a dinky spot with plenty of rides that catches the afternoon sun just 9 minutes’ walk away. There’s Jubilee Gardens, arguably one of the city’s best designed adventure playgrounds, in front of the London Eye, beckoning when your pod lands. And there’s a little local spot called Paddington Street Gardens right in among the cute coffee shops and boutiques of Marylebone. Want to base your day around a destination park? Check out knowledgeable mother and guide Bablands’ list of the coolest play spaces in the capital.
If spring has put you in the mood to visit some chicks and lambs, how about City farms which are little bubbles of go-slow, corn-chewing, bee-watching downtime amid the commercial rattle-and-hum of the city – and essential destinations for youthful farm-to-forkers. You can buy herbs, plants and seeds, grab a drink from the tea hut and swap notes on gardening, while getting your hands really dirty. Favourites include the one at Spitalfields, an easy stomp from the vintage shops of Cheshire Street, Kentish Town City Farm and Stepney City Farm in Tower Hamlets.
Website: spitalfieldscityfarm.org; stepneycityfarm.org; ktcityfarm.org.uk
It’s great to be outside in the sun and rain and reconnecting with nature and London is the perfect place to do so. The Royal Parks are a perfect way to get involved including favourites such as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park .It’s become a well-known fact that London is the greenest city in Europe with its more than 3,000 parks and spaces, and where there’s grass there often tends to be bouncy tarmac, swings, slides and roundabouts too. Next time you discover your day-long itinerary has only distracted them for a handful of hours, it’s quite safe to presume you can find a playground further afield or nearby simply by turning to Googlemaps.
If inside exploration is more your thing, consider visiting one of the amazing museums on exhibition road. There, you can visit the Science or Natural History Museum. Top things to see at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington include Hope, the huge blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall, fossils With more than 20 galleries and spaces to enjoy, you can easily spend all day here. Relax in the quiet Darwin Centre, browse the shops, or refuel at one of the museum’s cafes, snack bars or picnic spots.
The museum is split into four zones, so if you’re short on time, pick one of the zones based on your interests. in the world-leading Dinosaurs gallery and meteorites from outer space.
Don't miss the latest exhibitions at the Natural History Museum, including the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, which features stunning photography of the natural world. Also, keep an eye out for exciting museum events and activities, from yoga and silent discos to dinosaur-themed sleepovers and behind-the-scenes tours.
Which of three friction slides will you whizz down the fastest? That's one of the 50 or so experiments at the Wonderlab (£9.00) at the Science Museum, the quite brilliantly educational and exciting children's section of the Science Museum, which also crackles with electricity, orbits around the sun, plays with shapes and pulses with natural curiosity. Regular shows on rockets, electricity and explosions are pleasingly noisy.
There is a Wellcome Gallery in the Science Museum focussing on the human body and medicine, but did you know there is also a Welcome Museum elsewhere? Wellcome Collection is in central London, close to Euston train station.
The Museum and Library at Wellcome Collection looks at health and the human experience through books, manuscripts, images and objects. There you can delve into the wonderful collection of images that spans the decades from the 14th century to the present day. You’ll find more than 250,000 items, including paintings, drawings, prints, photos, stamps and more, alongside audio-visual material such as television programmes and public health information films(not for the squeamish though!).
Don’t miss the impressive selection of books and contemporary journals covering topics ranging from modern medicine to anatomy and even alchemy and even witchcraft!(PG required) Head to the archives with an adult to examine items such as personal papers, letters and photos from people and organisations with links to health. As you make your way through the building together, look out for the medical and ethnographic objects on display, which also feature in Wellcome’s permanent and temporary exhibitions. Admission to the museum is also is free and no prior booking is required, parents may want to check what’s on before visiting though.
If you've ever wondered how long a piece of fizzing dry ice scooting across water will last or how many times a handmade paper plane or ball of paper can be thrust into a wind vent to test its aerodynamism (limitless), here's your chance. Easily one of the best places to head to with a curious mind in London. The Natural History and Science Museum are free to visit. Some temporary exhibitions and events may require an admission fee and a pre-booked ticket.
On Exhibition Road, there is also the V&A Museum to visit for free, but have you heard of the Young V&A? The Young V&A is in Bethnal Green, east London. It is located very close to Bethnal Green Tube station (Central line) on Cambridge Heath Road. The nearest Tube station to the Young V&A is Bethnal Green (Central line), which is a one-minute walk away. Several bus routes stop on Cambridge Heath Road, close to the museum.
The Young V&A has three permanent gallery spaces called Imagine, Play and Design. Visitors can book tickets for shows in its temporary exhibition space. The new displays, which include items from the V&A’s main archive, are all created with children in mind. You’ll be able to get hands-on with interactive displays, workshops and an Open Studio, and show off performance skills on the amphitheatre-style stage in the Imagine area of the museum.
This national museum for young people will focus on the issues facing children today and their achievements. Contemporary items scheduled to be on display include the skateboard of 13-year-old Olympic medallist Sky Brown. The Young V&A is also free to visit for all. Make sure to check in advance for temporary exhibitions and one-off events.
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March Fun Celebration Days
Tue 05 Mar 2024When we think about March, there are a few things that spring to mind. Get it spring? Ha-ha!
March usually marks the end of the cold months and the beginning of spring, when the trees begin to bloom again, and we can all go back outside without wearing seven jumpers. If you’re still cooped up inside, we’ve got a few fun facts about March for you. Though you may not think the month of March is particularly special, it hosts quite a number of holidays. Easter often falls in March, and thus Lent. This usually alongside the Vernal Equinox when the days start getting longer (yay!)
International Women’s Day also takes place on the 8th, and St Patrick’s Day on the 17th. And let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy the celebrations when St Paddy’s Day rolls around? There’s some fascinating history to the month of March as well. Did you know the Romans placed it somewhere entirely different in their calendar? In fact, have you ever wondered where March got its name from? There’s a lot in a name, and the origins of the month we usually associate with rebirth and celebration may come as quite the surprise! It is named after Mars the Greek god of war.
16 Fun Facts about March
1. March was the first month in the Roman calendar
2. March was named for the Roman God of War
3. Daylight Savings Time starts in March
4. It is host to the Vernal Equinox
5. …and sometimes Easter Sunday!
6. Lent is a chance for self-discipline
7. Statistically, March is the least productive month
8. International Women’s Day takes place in March
9. As does St Patrick’s Day!
10. ‘If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.’
11. The birth flower of March is the daffodil
12. The telephone was first patented in March
13. And Monopoly was invented in 1933!
14. The Girl Scouts were founded by Juliette Gordon Low
15. And for better or worse, Coca-Cola was invented
16. The birthstone of March is aquamarine
March at WCU is actually a busier month than you might think, there are lots of dedicated days In March to celebrate along with the start of spring. We are looking forward to finding out our 2 design competition results and seeing the ENO performances. We will have picked our Queen’s Park Primary Poetry by Heart Entry and look forward to seeing yours as well. So much happens in March and there is plenty to celebrate.
March 8 is International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements, and this special day intends to showcase the women that make businesses thrive. We love the idea of encouraging everyone to start their own businesses and projects so we would love to hear your ideas.
First Friday in March is Employee Appreciation Day.
On this day everyone shows that they appreciate employees and those that help us, perhaps you could create a poster that highlights the work of a special helper in your life.
March Brings Daylight Saving.
Daylight Saving affects everyone in the world the time here in the U.K will change by a whole hour so we will get more daylight during the spring and summer.
March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Day is an Irish Public Holiday. Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland
International Day of Awesomeness.
Celebrated on the 10th of March. Celebrate your awesomeness or that of someone you know. What makes you and them special? Give someone a shout out and be awesome by making someone feel awesome too.
March 21 is the First Day of Spring.
The start of spring is a big deal, especially for businesses, since spring is normally thought of as the time for renewal. Go for a walk or plant something this is the perfect time to see something flourish and grow.
3rd Wednesday of March Companies that Care Day.
This day is a celebration of companies that care about the well-being of their employees and others. We are supported by many great companies like this. Who is your favourite place to visit with us? Perhaps you could write them a review or thank you?
March 31 is Easter.
Easter is a major holiday in the world, we will be running a two week Club during this Holiday so check the tab to download the sign up and secure your place. They will go fast!
March 15 is Everything You Think is Wrong Day.
This day recognizes that not everything will go alright and that everyone will have a bad day once in a while. Share a story that explains a day when something went wrong for you and more importantly how you dealt with it to help others.
March 16 is Everything You Do is Right Day.
Everything is Right Day is another March celebration, but the twist here is that this day is meant to be used for celebrating a good day. What was the best day you’ve had recently? Share it with your family or class and plan your next great day together.
March 26 is Make Your Own Holiday Day.
March 26 offers anyone the opportunity to declare and celebrate their own holidays. Feel free to create an explanation of a holiday you create. If you share it with us, through your coordinator, we will post it here online.
During March there’s plenty to do in London too, you could spend some quality time with your mum on Mother’s Day. Many London top attractions have events and offers to treat her to an experience or special gift.
Or how about enjoying top events in March such as: The Boat Race, Head of the River Race and the London Games Festival.
Marking annual festivals such as St Patrick’s Day and International Women's Day with activities across the city, there will be lots of local fairs and celebrations.
But the nicest way is to welcome spring and spot the blooms with a walk or run in London's parks, making the most of the warmer weather and enjoying the lovely green spaces for free.
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March has come!
Tue 05 Mar 2024It is March already
We had a great holiday and hope you did too? It has been great to see some of you in your schools and we are getting very excited for some of the upcoming projects underway in March. There are lots of exciting things to do in March so check out some of the great projects available.
Poetry by Heart is a national poetry speaking competition for schools and colleges, open to all pupils in key stages 2 to 5. Taking part in Poetry By Heart is all about developing confidence with poetry in an enjoyable, accessible and engaging way. Registration, participation and competition entry are free for schools and colleges in England. So get your school signed up as soon as you can and get practising, who knows we might see you at the Globe performing soon!
Go to https://poetrybyheart.org.uk/ to get involved
Then, just follow the steps below to get a chance to share your performance from the Globe.
- Choose poems
- Find a poem to learn from any of our timeline and showcase collections
- Learn poems by heart
- With tips on how to memorise poems and how to polish them for performance
- Perform poems out loud
- Share your poems aloud in a class, club or event of any shape or size, at school or college
- Enter the national competition
- Do it your way - either the 1- poem Freestyle celebration or the 2-poem Classic championship
- Come to the Grand Finale
Classic finalists and the best Freestylers perform on stage at Shakespeare’s Globe, London – with guest tickets for schools taking part
The Fourth Plinth
The Fourth Plinth Schools Awards are now open for entries. It’s a chance for schools to get creative and produce a work of art inspired by the contemporary art commissions for Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth. Once again, partner Cass Art – the UK’s leading independent art supplies retailer is making sure there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs. We have even had winning entries from Hallfield at WCU before so there’s lots to be excited about if you are an art fan.
Here’s how to get involved:
- Design an artwork inspired by the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square
- Scan or take a photo of your artwork and submit it to the online gallery
- That’s it!
- Entries can be in all art forms including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage and digital designs. There’s no limit to the number of entries from each school and both group and individual entries are welcome.
There are winner and runner-up prizes for different age categories: 5-7 years, 8-11 years and 12-15 years, as well as prizes for the best work from each borough. There’ll also be a presentation ceremony at New City Hall and all winning entries will appear in an exhibition in late spring.
Go Green Celebrations
Saturday 9th March 2024 2-5pm
Venue: Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Rowington Close, London W2 5TF
If you prefer outdoor activities and are interested in how to look after our environment how about joining the team from the Paddington Development Trust We will spend an afternoon at Grand Junction with eco activities, games, sustainability, and free healthy food.
With a lot of free activities to get involved in too which will include …
- Face painting
- Clothes upcycling stations
- Clothes Swap
- Craft and art activities
- Free fruit and tea/coffee
- Westminster Council will be present with info stalls on climate change, recycling and air pollution
You don’t need to book just turn up and you will be most welcome!
Or how about growing food with your parents and the community to eat and share?
Let’s Grow Westbourne
Join in with the PDT team growing food that you can take home and eat!
Every Wednesday from 10am until 12pm
Sundays 11am until 1pm
Let’s Grow Westbourne is a Free local gardening group for the Westbourne community. Join us in our community garden as we grow plants together! All are welcome, just wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. We will have light refreshments available. Woodchester Square W2 is where the allotment entrance is located.
Call Lina on 07801 749 828 or email lina@pdt.org.uk for more information
Into Film
In 2022, Into Film were delighted to welcome over 350,000 young people to screenings and events all across the UK. Over three million pupils and teachers have walked through cinema doors across the UK since the first Festival in 2013, and that number only increases each year. Boasting everything from specialist films to exclusive previews of upcoming blockbusters - as well as inclusive SEN and autism-friendly screenings - the Into Film Festival has something to offer everyone.
We know that many of you will be at screenings alongside us and look forward to seeing you all there this March. If you would like to write reviews, we are opening a film review tab so you might be one of the first reviews published!
Happy Lizzy and the Happy Hub
Youth Club for Harrow Road
Offering young people a safe place to hang out and have fun. (With a bunch of activities, free food, and friendly enhanced DBS checked staff) This is a great place to hang out and meet new friends after school and during the holidays.
Find out more at https://happylizzy.com/
Teach the Teachers
In the UK, climate change is not a mandatory part of the curriculum for students. As young people, climate change is something we’re seeing happen today that will only get worse throughout our lifetimes. If we want to have the skills and knowledge to tackle it, we need to act now!
If you would like a chance to explore the subject of sustainability and become teachers yourselves this is the perfect class project for you!
Teach the Teacher are looking to have climate change put into the curriculum across all subjects, showing students the different ways it will impact them and that the different ways they can make a difference, whatever their interests are.
To do this, Teach the Teacher trains groups of young people in schools to give their teachers lessons on climate change and what it’s like being a young person during the climate emergency. These lessons give students the skills to talk about climate and advocate for themselves, and shows teachers how they can take action in their teaching too. After the lessons, we’ve got a range of resources to support teachers in making that positive change too!
If you’re a student interested in bringing Teach the Teacher to your school, register your interest with us now and we’ll be in touch to work set everything up. If you’re the parent or guardian of a student and you’re interested in this opportunity, you can support your student to take part or use our resources to promote Teach the Teacher to their school. And if you’re a teacher, please feel free to promote Teach the Teacher to students you think would benefit from taking part, and check out our resources page for the rest!
For any questions or more information, please email hello@teachtheteacher.uk
Collect and Recycle old batteries with the Duracell Battery Hunt
The BIG BATTERY HUNT is a nationwide recycling challenge, inspiring pupils to power change across their schools and wider communities. Now in its fifth year, the BIG BATTERY HUNT is bigger and better than ever!
“Showing children that small environmental actions, when taken collectively, can make a big difference is illustrated brilliantly by Duracell’s Big Battery Hunt.”
Register or log in today for free teaching resources, plus the chance to win amazing prizes. Simply tell us your battery count on the leader board page and those with the highest average collection per participating pupil could win £3,500 towards outdoor equipment, Nintendo Switches, and more!
https://www.bigbatteryhunt.co.uk/registration/
Spring cleaning opportunities
Great Big School Clean 2024
The Great Big School Clean allows young people to take ownership over their local community, showing that they love where they live. This year's clean takes place between 15th March - 31st March, and to celebrate Keep Britain Tidy's 70th anniversary we're encouraging pupils to make a #platinumpledge such as picking 70 items or making a collective effort to pick 70 bags! This year's campaign officially launches on Friday 23rd February, but keep an eye on your inboxes on Wednesday 28th February, when Eco-Schools will be sharing further details.
At Keep Britain Tidy, they believe that no one is too small to make a big difference. And when we all come together, that big difference becomes a huge one. If every child who attended school in the UK pledged to pick up just one bag of litter during the Great Big School Clean, we could remove 10.3 million bags of litter from our natural environment.
Join the Great Big School Clean this spring and be part of the #BigBagChallenge - make a big difference to care for the places and the planet we love.
How to join the Great Big School Clean
Let them know how many pupils will take part and how many bags they pledge to collect by clicking the pledge button on the site. We encourage nurseries to join us too!
You can start picking up any time from now until the end of term.
Once you’ve made your pledge, you’ll receive a digital pack of resources for teachers, by e-mail, to help you activate the campaign in your school. The pack contains:
1. A ‘How to’ litter pick guide for schools
2. Litter Bingo
3. Guess the Decade litter quiz
4. Details of our litter competition with the Vintage Litter Museum
5. Thank you certificates for your #LitterHeroes
6.Pledge As A SchoolPlus icon
Join the Litter Legends Quiz - Live!
Is your school full of Wise Womblers? Clever Carbonistas ?Waste Warriors?
Then why not put your school’s knowledge to the test (it’s a fun test – we promise!). Join Keep Britain Tidy, Eco-Schools England and children’s author Sarah Roberts for our first ever Live Litter Legends quiz!
Every school who pledges to take part in the Great Big School Clean will be invited to join the free, virtual event at 11am on 24 March 2023.
Pledge to take part now, and details of how-to sign-up for the event will be shared soon!
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February Fun
Mon 05 Feb 2024We are in February Already
We hope January, and first month of the New Year at school, was full of fun and adventure, here at WCU we are already booking June-July activities and can’t wait to hear what you’ve all been up to in your schools.
February the 10TH IS Chinese New Year and the beginning of the New Lunar Year another great time of new starts and beginnings to enjoy together. This year is the year of the Dragon. According to Feng Shui expert and Geomancer Patrick Lim Fernandez, 2024 is the Year of the Wooden Dragon and it's all about growth. “Take advantage of this energy. Grow with the world rather than against it," Fernandez told members of the press at a recent event in New World Makati. It is an excellent year to make money from what you're good at. "Any way you can monetize what you know, this is a good year for that," he said, adding that ventures that have to do with nature (products of plants and trees) are lucky businesses for 2024 making forest school and Gardening great 2024 projects to undertake. The 2024 Chinese New Year festival in central London, organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA), takes place the day after Chinese New Year on 11 February so Sunday would be a great time to visit.
February is full of fun to get involved with, this week is children’s Mental Health Week which is something we really believe in at WCU. So, if you’d like some Mind Up sessions at your school, please get in touch and we will make that happen for you. This month is also the RAK kindness month so for example: Planting Seeds of Kindness for Random Acts of Kindness Day or Kindness Week would be a super spring and kindness project.
Making pizza for National Pizza Day would be a yummy activity and you could practice your imperative verbs and prepositional language, if you wrote your own recipe (Try no-cook pizza sauce so you can make it on your own!) Or how about making bubble gum for Bubble Gum Day? And remember Shrove Tuesday is the perfect excuse to enjoy some yummy pancakes.
After all that sugary eating, You could read The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums as February is Dental Health Month or just get out and about in the currently frosty parks and see the seasons begin to change from winter to spring.
Another great day this month is National Read Aloud Day, World Read Aloud Day is celebrated on the first Wednesday in February and takes place on February 7 this year. This is a day dedicated not just to reading, but to the art and practice of reading aloud. and we will be celebrating the day by launching a fab, free reading project with Cllr Gill Fitzhugh. If you would love a reading support group at your school, get your teachers to reach out to us and we will see what we can make happen. You can access additional activities and resources at https://www.litworld.org/worldreadaloudday/
February the 18th is Engineers’ week and we are working with our friends at Topsy Turvy to get some STEM /STEAM activities set up for you in June to celebrate. ASCE partners with DiscoverE (formerly the National Engineers Week Foundation) to shine a spotlight on engineering. Engineers Week is a time to:
- Celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world
- Increase public dialogue about the need for engineers
- Bring engineering to life for kids, educators, and parents
- Premiering Engineers Week: Cities of the Future
ASCE and MacGillivray Freeman Films – the team that brought Dream Big: Engineering Our World to giant screens around the world – have united to produce a new film inspired by ASCE’s Future World Vision initiative: Cities of the Future. https://www.asce.org/initiatives/cities-of-the-future
February 13th is World Radio Day and if you would like to experience a radio station our friends at the Avenues can help so let us know via your teachers and we will book you in.
Below is a full list of everything you can expect this February:
LGBT+ History Month February 1 - February 29
National Heart Month February 1 - February 29
Michael Morpurgo Month February 1 - February 29
Rugby Six Nations February 2 - March 16
Children's Mental Health Week February 5 - February 11
Safer Internet Day February 6
Charles Dickens' Birthday February 7
World Read Aloud Day February 7
Tết - Vietnamese New Year February 10
Chinese New Year February 10
Lunar New Year February 10
International Day of Women and Girls in Science February 11
Charles Darwin's Birthday February 12
Pancake Day / Shrove Tuesday February 13
World Radio Day February 13
Lent February 14 - March 28
Ash Wednesday February 14
Valentine's Day February 14
Random Acts of Kindness Day February 17
Engineers Week February 18 - February 24
International Mother Language Day February 21
World Thinking Day February 22
Anniversary of Hans Scholl's Death February 22
Lantern Festival February 24
Don’t forget to record and share back what you have done so we can all enjoy each other’s responses and knowledge, have a great February everyone!
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January is Here!
Tue 16 Jan 2024January 2024 Update and Offer
Happy 2024 everyone!
Warmest wishes and greetings from Westminster Children's University.
Welcome to the New Year and we have lots of great stuff ready for you here at WCU. If you would like to have a relaunch assembly or any of our January offer please email me to book
If you would like any activity or hours added, please email me the list the activities you'd like added to whole groups and individuals (in individual named lists if this helps by taking a class survey) and we will take care of the rest
If you are a colleague who is taking over or new ,I am happy to arrange a personal meeting to keep momentum going again, please email me to book We are so proud of all you achieved in 2024-416 ,000<hours of adventure and fun and can’t wait to see what this year brings.
Film Fun at the Garden Cinema
We love film at WCU and this year we are excited to introduce the Garden Cinema, who are offering pay what you can screening each weekend! Upcoming films include 'Wonka,' (13 & 14 Jan) with a chance to pitch your own chocolate bar, and 'The Jungle Book,' (20 & 21 Jan) accompanied by a sing-along with a Disney trained performer.
For more information on great things to there go to: thegardencinema.co.uk/season/films-for-the-family/
We are excited to be getting involved in what is coming up in 2024
The Fourth Plinth Schools Awards are now open for entries.
It’s a chance for schools to get creative and produce a work of art inspired by the contemporary art commissions for Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth. You can reach out to us if you’d like WCU to help you by running a workshop at your school for you.
Once again, thanks to our partner Cass Art – the UK’s leading independent art supplies retailer – there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs. Here’s how to get involved:
Design an artwork inspired by the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Squarescan or take a photo of your artwork and submit it to the online gallery that’s it!
There are winner and runner-up prizes for different age categories: 5-7 years, 8-11 years and 12-15 years, as well as prizes for the best work from each borough. There’ll also be a presentation ceremony at New City Hall and all winning entries will appear in an exhibition in late spring.
Entries can be in all art forms including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage and digital designs. There’s no limit to the number of entries from each school and both group and individual entries are welcome.
Upload at :https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/arts-and-culture/current-culture-projects/fourth-plinth-trafalgar-square/fourth-plinth-schools-awards-2024/fourth-plinth-schools-awards-2024-submissions-formFor our January offer we have lots of creative, STEAM/STEM fun for you including clubs, challenges and visits.
Archimake Work Shops
Archimake workshops comprise of fun art, architecture, design and engineering courses in drawing and model making for children aged 7-16 to explore design and the built environment.
We are accredited to assess for national qualifications resulting in GCSE equivalent qualifications for young people. Participants have a 100% pass rate in passing Level 1 Certificate, which is a national qualification regulated by OfQual.
All the young people who passed their qualification were in year 7-9, so had not started GCSE at school but primary sessions and clubs are also available.
We have enjoyed a whole year of Archimake after school and would love you to join us remotely, if you would like to do this please contact your coordinators so we can set this up for you in your school from 4-5 pm on Mondays. We also have pre-paid workshops available too.
Vex Club Opportunity
VEX Robotics is educational robotics for everyone. VEX solutions span all levels of both formal and informal education with accessible, scalable, and affordable solutions. Beyond science and engineering principles, VEX encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem solving among groups. It allows educators of all types to engage and inspire the STEM problem solvers of tomorrow!
We are working with Tyrone at the Chelsea foundation to relaunch our VEX project and already have our resources ready to go so watch this space in January/February for updates and opportunities.
STEM Topsy Turvy-Paid Activity coming this year
We spent three great days with our friends at Topsy Turvy this December and look forward to taking part in their STEM and Story projects this year. If you haven’t checked them out you can visit individually at weekends or book a class session through your coordinators. We will be celebrating your successes with them this year. So look out for the exciting STEM activities and celebrations in 2024
When you visit you will find a separate dedicated 3 and under play area. A main multi-tiered play frame for under 12s, full of excitement and adventure with a new one way system, all padded for your safety.
Parking is in Brent Cross Shopping Centre Multi-Story Car park level 3. Our building is located opposite of the car park but you can get there easily by multipole buses, 189 is our choice from Querx Road Kilburn.
Holiday Opening
They are open every day. Check their website with available play sessions https://www.topsyturvyworld.com/#
Pre-book 1.45 hour sessions online Saturday and Sunday (to guarantee entry)
Term Time
Mon-Tue 10-4 pm
Wed-Fri 10-6 pm
Sat-Sun, Half Term and Holidays
Mon-Sun 9.30-6pmKWC Lego Club
We all love to play! That’s the ethos behind the after school building brick programme. Young people can collaborate together to build brick models - making friends and developing skills all whilst having fun. We have pre-paid for one school to run their own club so please let us know if this is of interest.
Run by trained facilitators, the programme offers children positive, meaningful social experiences in an understanding, playful and accepting environment. Brick Club (as it's known to children) supports its members to collaborate, communicate, problem-solve and share fun experiences all through collaborative building brick play.
We will be starting our club again in March and if you would like one at your school, we can help you to do that too, so remember to let your school coordinator know so that we can collaborate to get Building club in your school too.
Perform for Schools
We are looking forward to our Anti-Bullying workshops with Perform for schools in January. Whether you’re looking for a fresh angle on a traditional topic, a fun weekly after school club or an inspiring INSET on using drama in the classroom, a visit from Perform for Schools could be the answer.
Every week, over 5000 children attend Perform after-school and weekend workshops at venues across London, the South East and South West. The classes focus on developing confidence and social skills in a fun and lively way via the performing arts. With over 15 years of experience, all our teachers are recruited, DBS and reference-checked, trained and employed directly by us. So, you can be confident that your pupils will be in the very best of hands.
Perform for Schools is the primary school division of Perform - the UK's leading provider of drama, dance and singing workshops for 4-12 year olds. The Perform4ALL project offers FREE drama workshops to primary schools across London, Nottingham and the South-East.
Facilitated by a DBS-checked trained professional actor, each workshop lasts 30 minutes and is designed for a class of up to 30 children in a large space such as the school hall. Teachers can book free introductory sessions which are always amazing so go over to the site to get yours book for the New Year.
https://www.perform.org.uk/perform-schools/perform4all-project/perform4all-project/about
Tom Half Penny Guitar
We have funded guitar lessons again this year-Starting February- and there are spaces for afterschool students so if you can get to us at Queens Park School and can get to us after school, let your coordinator know to book your free lesson space and start your musical journey.
Guitar lessons are a great tool for keeping you motivated. This is one of the key factors in whether or not you'll succeed with learning to play the guitar. It's equally as important as learning the right techniques, correcting mistakes and practicing your scales so why not give it a try?
Apple Field Trips Regent Street and Covent Garden
Apple Field trips are a great way to learn about technology and develop new skills and understanding. We are so glad to be visiting Apple again and can’t wait to help you all organise your trips too, we are starting in early February with: Design Lab: Draw your own Astronaut Inspired by Snoopy in Space and Art Tour drawing from Observation.
We are happy to assist you in organising a field trip so, please let us know if you’d like to part.
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Winter Celebrations and Ideas
Fri 08 Dec 2023Well it’s December and nearly time for our winter holidays, it was so lovely to see you all Winter Wonderland thanks to the kindness of Abbey and the team at Winter Wishes a big thank you too for everyone who took part in our little film we are so looking forward to sharing it with you soon.
We will be running our usual provision but if you are looking for some extra winter fun we have collected some great free ideas for you to try out.
London Bus Tour
Mayfair, Friday 15th December
We are looking forward to our bus tour on the 15th of December with Toot bus, we will be visiting and enjoying key sights in London to explore and learn about the cities rich history. We can’t wait to share our experiences with you. If a bus tour of the key Christmas lights is of interest to you why not get in touch as we still have limited availability .Alternatively you could always go on a visit yourself to enjoy the scenery this time of year.
Number 139 Bus
This festive bus route starts off at Bond Street, where you can discover Christmas at Selfridges. Join the famous store for extraordinary festive experiences, from a feel-good Christmas market to magical moments with Santa himself!
Hop on the number 139 bus towards Waterloo and head down Oxford Street then Regent Street to admire the spectacular Christmas lights displays. The oldest light display in London, first decorated in 1954, the Regent Street light display is one of the largest in London. ✨
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Hop off outside Hamley’s and step into an enchanting world filled with fun for all the family. Pick up a special toy for loved ones, and if you’re lucky, you might even meet Santa himself!
Catch the next 139 bus to The Strand for Covent Garden. Kick off a very merry Christmas in the famous piazza, home to London’s biggest hand-picked Christmas tree, which is a huge 55 feet tall! The Apple Market lights are also not to be missed, pick up a festive drink and take a wander around all of the market stalls and stores, perfect for picking up a little something for under your own tree. 🎄
Number 22 Bus
Start your journey at Duke of York Square where you can admire their Christmas lights to take a festive ‘elfie with the angel wing lights hanging from the wall next to Castore.
Next, hop on the number 22 bus heading towards Oxford Circus where you’ll reach Knightsbridge, hop off and take a short walk to see Harrods, a London icon all lit up for the festive season. Hop off for a spot of Christmas shopping! 🛍
Continue on the number 22 to Hyde Park and embrace the Christmas spirit at Winter Wonderland.
Number 453 Bus
For this festive bus route, you’ll be starting your journey in Marylebone Village. Admire the Christmas lights, enjoy Christmas shopping with extended store opening hours, and pay a visit to Santa’s grotto.
The number 453 will then take you down Regent Street, where you can admire some of the most festive light displays in London. ✨ Hop off outside Hamley’s and head to Carnaby Street.
Continue your journey on the number 453 bus towards Deptford Bridge, which will take you towards Trafalgar Square where you’ll have a tree-mendous time. Every year, since 1947, the people of Norway have given the people of London a Christmas tree. This gift is in gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II. This year, you’ll also be able to enjoy carol singers throughout the festive period! 🎶 But wait, there’s myrrh. 😉 Head to Westminster, where you’ll be able to take in all things Christmas at Westminster Abbey. You might even be able to catch one of their Christmas shows. 🎶
Lastly, hop back on the 453 and head to County Hall for South Bank, where you’ll find their fabulous winter festival. This year, you’ll also be treated to cosy festive igloos popping up along the river, where you can enjoy alpine street food
Number 390 Bus
Start your journey at King’s Cross and head towards Coal Drops Yard to admire their festive display.
Once you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, hop on the number 390 bus towards Victoria Bus Station. Get off at Tottenham Court Road and head to So Ho Ho to admire the festive lights.
Once you’ve explored Soho, jump on the number 390 and cruise down Oxford Street to admire one of the best light displays in London. You can then stop at Selfridges for a spot of festive shopping!
The 390 will then take you past the Dorchester Hotel. Hop off here to admire their Christmas decorations and a spot of Christmas afternoon tea. Their Christmas tree alone is worthy of a festive snap!
Lastly, head to Hyde Park Corner and alight for Winter Wonderland. With ice skating, Christmas market stalls as far as the eye can see and circus performances, yule be sorry if you miss it!
Number 94 Bus
Hop on the number 94 bus, starting at Marble Arch towards Piccadilly Circus which will take you down Oxford Street where you can marvel at the Christmas lights ✨ or you can hop off to enjoy a spot of gift shopping!
The number 94 will then take you down Regent Street where you can admire the famous angel lights. Known as ‘The Spirits of Christmas’, Regent Street’s Christmas lights display is the largest one in the country.
When you’re all shopped out, hop back on the bus to head towards Piccadilly Circus. Take a short walk to Fortnum & Mason to pick up a festive snack or ornament for your tree before heading to Leicester Square to enjoy their famous Christmas market.
Winter Festival Queen’s Park Gardens
Queens Park Gardens, Ilbert Street W10, 12 noon – 4 pm, Saturday, 9th December
It’s finally that time of the year again- Queen’s Park Winter Festival is just around the corner! Join in for all the usual festivities including, Wreath making, Smores, Snow Ball Shy, Santa’s Grotto, Donkey Rides, Christmas Carols and much more! There will also be the lovely Community Lunch at St. Jude’s Hall, so make sure you gather round the piano for hot soups and festive pies!
QPCC Winter Social
Thursday 21 December, 2023 | 1 pm – 3 pm, Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue W10 4JL
Queen’s Park Community Council and A2 Dominion invites residents to a very special Winter Social! Come along for a fun filled afternoon of games, crafts, music, dance, a delicious lunch and most importantly to meet with other residents across our wonderful community! All Queens’ Park, Westminster residents are invited! Register online or give us a call to reserve a spot (space are limited!)
Santa Truck Visits
Don’t forget to all look out for Santa’s truck, which will be passing by on the 5th and 6th December, from 4pm – 6pm, collecting hamper items and donations for local people in need!
Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park-Marble Arch
All season
Entry to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is free on certain days
Since the introduction of entry fees to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in 2021 the huge festive funfair isn't as easy to do for free as it used to be. That said, if you can go off-peak (an early weekday morning in November or early December, or anytime on 1 January), entry costs nothing, though you still need to book in advance.
Once you get inside Winter Wonderland, there are many, many ways to part with your money (especially if you've got kids in tow), from funfair rides and theatre shows to food and drink, and Christmas market stalls. Wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere, though? That's free, off-peak.
Top tip for parents: Santa Land within Winter Wonderland is home to the only free Santa's Grotto that we know of in London. The flip side is that there's no booking, so be prepared to queue.
Free, off-peak entry tickets are available selected times until 7 December 2023, and on 1 January 2024.
Paddington Academy Students’ Production
12/13TH December 2 pm Paddington Academy
Seasonal Trails
Nothing signifies the approach of Christmas like the glow of seasonal street lights and we can’t wait to hear about your seasonal outings, to help give you some ideas on where you might explore, here’s a brilliant guide by Laura Reynolds to when London's 2023 festive illuminations are switched on (and the accompanying parties) in some of the capital's biggest shopping destinations — including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden and Carnaby street. Take pictures of your trip and we can all enjoy them here in the New Year. We will allocate 5 hours per trail and provide coordinators with codes for them so you can claim them as WCU hours online straight away.
Oxford Street Christmas lights 2023 — from 2 November
Star-themed Christmas lights dangling above Oxford Street for Christmas 2023
Oxford Street is usually the first London district to switch on its Christmas lights, illuminating the world-famous shopping street — and in 2023 the magic happens on Thursday 2 November.
The stars are coming out again this year, as 300,000 of them return, blanketing the sky, with a focus on sustainability. That means reduced operating hours and LED lights combining to use two-thirds less energy than previous years.
Anyone can sponsor a star in the installation, as part of Oxford Street's partnership with children’s charity Starlight — you can do so online from 2 November, or via QR codes on the street.
Carnaby Christmas lights 2023 — from 8 November
Carnaby has a new theme for its festive decorations every year, from Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody to sub-aqua scenes, and for 2023, its Carnaby Universe. We're promised a 'dynamic and vibrant display of neon colour and light waves creating a moving vortex on Carnaby Street' along with arches 'adorned with shimmering discs and neon lights' on the side streets. The season begins with a switch-on party and shopping event on Thursday 2 November 2023. UPDATE: due to a severe weather warning, the switch on will now take place on Wednesday 8 November
Covent Garden Christmas lights 2023 — from 7 November
It's all change at Covent Garden this year, as it's getting brand new Christmas decorations, including 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and eight spinning mirror balls, all made from over 29 miles of gold leaf and 275 kilos of glitter. Sounds like we've seen the last of the giant mistletoe that's adorned the Market Hall for the last few festive seasons.
We're also promised more of a glow-up in the Piazza than ever before — over 140,000 LED lights — in addition to the 30,000 adorning the 60ft Christmas tree, all illuminated from Tuesday 7 November.
Regent Street and St James's Christmas lights 2023 — from 9 November
London Christmas lights 2023: 'Spirit of Christmas ' angels glowing above Regent Street, with pedestrians and traffic beneath
Regent Street switches its own lights on, from Thursday 9 November. The neighbouring district of St James's gets lit the same night too, and those 50+ 'Spirit of Christmas' angels are back, glistening above Regent Street, Regent Street St James's, Piccadilly and Jermyn Street. For the first time, Glasshouse Street, Heddon Street, Quadrant Arcade, St James’s Market and Swallow Street will have their own Christmas lights this year, and though we don't know exactly what they'll look like yet, we're told they'll 'enhance the existing scheme'.
300,000 lights are used in the display, all low-energy LEDs which operate on a timer, so that they're only on for a few key hours each evening. Unfortunately, as with the last few years there's no big Regent Street Christmas light switch-on event — they'll be illuminated without any fanfare from 9 November.
Marylebone Village Christmas lights 2023 — from 9 November
London Christmas lights 2023: 'Marylebone Village' illuminated sign, surrounded by illuminated leaves. Marylebone Village has new Christmas lights for 2023. Marylebone — the annual festive event in Marylebone Village culminating in a big Christmas light-up — takes place on Thursday 9 November 2023. There'll be snow machines, a Santa's grotto, and food, drink and gift stalls — as well as discounts and special offers in the local shops, restaurants and bars.
As for the lights themselves: it's a brand new, sustainable display for 2023. That means lights made 100% out of plastic recycled bottles, with an energy-saving LED system that uses 95% less energy than conventional lighting. There will be reduced operation hours this year too, expected to save 58.2% of energy that would be used if they were on the usual street lighting schedules.
St Christopher's Place Christmas lights 2023 — from 14 November
St Christopher's Place transforms into St Christmas Place from Tuesday 14 November 2023, when vividly coloured discs will illuminate the pedestrianised shopping area just off Oxford Street. The central tree in the main square and others lining James Street will also be lit up, and there are free festive performances every Thursday from 5.30pm and every Saturday from 1.30pm in the run-up to Christmas.
Belgravia Christmas lights 2023 — from 15 November
Belgravia's Christmas lights are switched on from mid-November
Motcomb Street, Elizabeth Street, Pimlico Road, Eccleston Yards and Halkin Arcade will be illuminated with the Belgravia Aglow scheme of Christmas lights. The launch event, on Wednesday 15 November 2023, has a roaming concert from the London Gay Men's Chorus, appearances from Santa Claus, a pop-up Christmas market in Eccleston Yards and festive offers at various businesses around the Belgravia area.
On the same day, Belgravia’s Christmas Trail of Cheer launches — it's a series of glowing window displays from renowned florists and stores in the area, with the public able to vote for their favourite online in December.
Chelsea Christmas lights 2023 — from 18 November
Christmas lights in the trees at Sloane Square
The Chelsea Christmas light switch-on involves a whole day of festive fun on Saturday 18 November 2023. King's Road is part-pedestrianised from Sloane Square down to Walpole Street with a Christmas market, live entertainment, and a chance to meet Santa's reindeer. Father Christmas himself has the honour of switching the lights on, illuminating King's Road, Sloane Square and surrounding areas, accompanied by a fireworks display, light show and sprinkling of snow.
Trafalgar Square Christmas tree 2023 — from 7 December
London Christmas lights 2023: The Trafalgar Square fountain illuminated at light, with the Christmas tree illuminated next to the Mayor of Westminster, Norwegian Ambassador and governing Mayor of Oslo usually switch on the lights on the Trafalgar Square tree on the first Thursday in December — that's 7 December 2023. The tree is a gift from Norway every year.
Bond Street Christmas lights 2023 — date TBC
London Christmas lights 2023: a glowing golden crown suspended above Bond Street at night
Last year saw festive changes on Bond Street, as the peacock decorations were ousted in favour of regally-themed illuminations featuring more than 90,000 LED lights. They were inspired by the Crown Jewels, as well as the many high-end jewellery stores which have set up shop on Bond Street over the centuries. A tiara-like gateway at each end of Bond Street welcomed shoppers to the area, with 'necklaces' strung across Old and New Bond Street at regular intervals — and we're hoping to see them back for 2023... watch this space.
Leadenhall Market Christmas lights 2023 — date TBC
London Christmas lights 2023: a Christmas tree decorated with red and gold baubles and lights, inside Leadenhall Market
Traditionally, the Lord Mayor of London does the honours of switching on the Leadenhall Market Christmas lights, which usually consist of a large central Christmas tree, colour-changing LED lights, and fir tree garlands throughout the Market. We'll bring you 2023 details as soon as we have them.
Connaught Village Christmas lights 2023
There's usually a whole afternoon and evening of Christmas activities as Connaught Village near Marble Arch, culminating in the Christmas light switch-on. 2023 details coming soon.
A display of festive arches adorned with lights and decorations inside Hay's Galleria - part of the
Winter by the River is free entry.
December can be an expensive time of year, especially in London. So if you're looking for ways to save cash and do this festive season on a budget, indulge in these free and festive things to do in London for Christmas 2023. You won't have to spend a penny, though of course there are plenty of chances to get rid of your cash if you're so inclined.
Wander around London's Christmas markets
There are several Christmas markets and fairs to visit in London, and many have free admission —Top of the list is Southbank Centre's Winter Market (until 26 December 2023), a cute collection of wooden chalets decked in sparkling lights, right next to the river. It's free to stroll along, soaking up the festive atmosphere, though it gets very busy at weekends. If you're in central London, Christmas in Leicester Square (which also spreads to Trafalgar Square) is also a good bet (free entry, until 7 January 2024).
Visit a free light trail
London's packed with light trails and festivals this time of year, but some are pricey to get into. Not so with Winter Light at Southbank Centre (until 7 January 2024), which is free to admire, and consists of a series of outdoor artworks by 10 artists, colourfully illuminated at night. You could combine it with a visit to the Southbank Centre Winter Market (above).
Also free to visit are The Luminaze at Wembley Park (2 December 2023-2 January 2024) and Sparkle in the Park, in Greenwich's Avery Hill Park (30 November-3 December 2023).
This winter, a brand-new light-based interactive maze is heading to Wembley Park to wow visitors of all ages. From 2nd December 2023 to 2nd January 2024, The Luminaze will take revellers on a magical festive journey with cutting-edge neon installations and a specially curated soundscape.
The star of the show, in the middle of The Luminaze features Emergency Exit Arts (EEA) and light wizards, Illuminos' stunning 4 metre installation, The Hourglass - an audio-visual sculpture is designed to deliver stories through animations and audio. For Wembley Park, brand-new bespoke artwork will bring The Hourglass to life, with local champions and artists.
Seek out the Christmas Nightlights in Greenwich
Free, available 4pm-10pm weekdays and 10am-10pm on weekends, 1 December 2023-1 January 2024. Full info available online from 1 December.
Explore Greenwich on the Christmas Nightlights trail.
The usual Greenwich Advent Windows trail isn't happening this year, but instead, there's a smaller free interactive trail across 12 windows in the Greenwich area. The Christmas Nightlights trail features books on display in certain windows. Once you've found one, answer the online question corresponding to that window. Get it right and the book lights up.
Go in search of 12 The Snowman sculptures Until 5 January 2024.
12 sculptures of Raymond Briggs's The Snowman have been dotted around the Fleet Street area, in the capital's latest free art trail. Each is decorated by a different artist, representing a day from the song 12 Days of Christmas. You can download a map to help you track them down, or simply wander around Chancery Lane, Ludgate Hill, Fleet Street and surrounding areas looking out for them — each one is 1.6m tall, so you shouldn't miss them.
Winter by the River offers free choir performances. Until 1 January 2024.
Seasonal festival Winter by the River pops up at London Bridge City (the south bank of the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge) once again. It's free entry, though, as is the way with these things, there are plenty of ways to spend money if you're keen to do so (market stalls, pop-up bars, karaoke rooms). For a free day/night out though, time your visit to coincide with one of these free choir performances in Hay's Galleria, and enjoy the live music followed by a stroll along the river surrounded by twinkly lights.
Admire the Ever After Garden in Grosvenor Square
Open 3pm-9pm daily until 19 December 2023.
Over 25,000 glowing roses light up Grosvenor Square again this winter, as the Ever After Garden returns to Mayfair. It provides somewhere for Londoners to remember absent loved ones in the run-up to Christmas, and there's the option to dedicate a rose, for a minimum donation of £10 to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Sing your heart out at a carol concert
Carol concerts in London: Union Chapel packed with people each holding a candle, with a Christmas tree to one side.
If you wanted to, you could go to a carol concert every evening in December, and still barely scratch the surface of London's carol services. They're not all free, but many are for charity, so that's understandable — but why not see what's on at your local church?
Watch the Peter Pan Cup on Christmas Day
What'll you be doing at 9am on Christmas Day? One hardy group of swimmers takes to the frigid waters of the Serpentine in Hyde Park for the Peter Pan Cup, a traditional race dating back to 1903. The race itself isn't open to the general public — so you're off the hook for a chilly festive dip — but it is free to watch, with spectators welcome around the lake's edge. Just remember there's no public transport in London on Christmas Day to get you there.
We hope you all have a super break and a fantastic new year!
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October-November News
Thu 02 Nov 2023Welcome back to school from WCU
IT’S GREAT TO BE BACK TOGETHER AND LOOKING FORWARD TO SO MUCH SEASONAL FUN
Welcome to the October-November Update. We hope you had a super break, we certainly did at WCU with 28 of you from across our network joining us for fun with Tanzii TV, Really Big Pants Theatre and Topsy Turvy. This season we have lots to look forward to so check below for Novembers Upcoming Fun .
Winter Wishes Festival at Hyde Park
It’s finally back! One of London’s festive favourites, Winter Wonderland, returns to Hyde Park for a triumphant fifteenth anniversary lasting six yule-tide filled weeks. Bigger and better than ever, this Christmas you can expect gift-filled huts, fairground rides, and the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink to central London and WCU schools will be there for free thanks to Winter Wishes on the 17th.
Don’t worry if your school doesn’t get to join in as you can go with your parents throughout the festive/winter period. The main date is November 18th, the day that the gates open to this fantastical festive experience. Tickets went on sale on July 28th and are expected to sell out quick, so purchasing Winter Wonderland Hyde Park tickets for the event early is highly recommended.
With over 200 rides, attractions, games and food & drink offerings; Winter Wonderland really is the one-stop shop for all things Christmas. There will be timed entry tickets during the festival to help manage visitor numbers and to give all attendees the best experience possible. Once inside Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2022, you will be able to stay for as long as you wish – but be aware that you will have to be there for your set entry time, ticket prices range from free (off-peak tickets) to £7.50 (peak entry). However, if you spend £25 on attractions, food, drinks, rides, or games in advance, your entry ticket will be free, regardless of timing.
Returning in all its glory this year is Winter Wonderland’s enchanting ice rink, which also happens to be the largest outdoor rink in the UK and is situated around the infamous Victorian bandstand which will have a singer to serenade you as you whizz round to all the classic Christmas songs.
The Magical Ice Kingdom is back with a new theme, where you’ll be able to find five hundred tonnes of ice sculptures filling an awe-inspiring Ice Palace. For the adrenaline junkies out there, the impressive ice slide returns and it’s been made even bigger for 2022’s instalment. Elsewhere, guests will be able to embark on the festival’s 70-metre Giant Wheel which offers outstanding views of the park and the city beyond.
This year’s instalment of Winter Wonderland Hyde Park 2022 is bigger and better than ever. Spectators can expect to find activities like ice sculpting workshops, family-friendly workshops delivered by Zippo’s Christmas Circus and for the more daring guests there is a wilder fare at Cirque Berserk. New to this year’s festival is the Edelweiss Funhouse, where you can expect thrills and chills beyond your wildest dreams.
In terms of entertainment, there will be live music at The Fire Pit which will provide your more upbeat tempo dance tunes and Explorer’s Rest with a more chilled offering for those who want a more relaxed vibe. It’s also the perfect place to make a start on your festive shopping with a lovely stroll around the stalls to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Overall, it’s looking to be a spectacular celebration, which after the last few years, is something that we all need. Suzy Griffiths, the Winter Wonderland Event Director for IMG says “This year we want to bring people together to celebrate the amazing memories we have made over the last 15 years, and make new magical memories to last a lifetime. That’s what the festive season is all about and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a fun-filled family tradition that guests love to mark down in their calendars as far ahead as July!”
Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition
This year, pupils are invited to design a card on the theme, 'Together at Christmas’. We want your pupils to show scenes that highlight the sense of belonging, support and shared joy that define a welcoming community.
By entering our competition, your pupil stands the chance to have their artwork featured on the Mayor’s 2023 Christmas card which will be sent to dignitaries across the world, including our sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III.
The winning design will feature on the Mayor’s official Christmas card. It will also feature the winner’s first name, age, and school on the back of the card.
The competition is supported by Cass Art, the UK’s leading independent art supplies retailer. The winner will be invited to the Mayor’s Christmas carol service event, receive a certificate, copies of the card to send to their friends and family, have their Christmas card personally signed by the Mayor, and a £100 Cass Art gift voucher. Also, the two highest praised entries will each receive a certificate and a £30 Cass Art gift voucher.
Find out how Cass Art could support creativity in your school or send an email to outreach@cassart.co.uk.
The application deadline is Friday 3 November at 23:59 pm.
November’s Into-Film Festival
The 2023 Into Film Festival is taking place between 7-24 November, and will help educators bring learning to life for 5-19 year olds across the UK by inspiring young people to watch, understand and make film in new and creative ways. WCU students will be taking part throughout the season enjoying Lyle Lyle Crocodile, Trolls, Sproods, TMNT and Ruby Kraken.
The Festival programme features thousands of free film screenings, special events and previews, and interactive Q&A sessions with screen industry professionals, making it the perfect opportunity to support young people in enjoying the big screen experience. There is also a review competition to take part in after the festival with a £200 class prize so we can’t wait to read about what you all thought!
Fire Works Night
As the adage goes: remember, remember the fifth of November. Bonfire Night is officially on November 5 every year, and luckily that falls on a Sunday in 2023. This year, a lot of the displays are happening over the weekend of November 3-5. As has become the norm, lots of displays get going in the afternoon with funfairs, food stalls and more, making it a proper fun family day out including our Local, Free display in Queen’s Park Gardens at 6:00pm curtesy of QPCC.
Top tips for Bonfire Night in London
- Book in advance: Nearly all of London’s free bonfire celebrations aren’t taking place this year, which means tickets are essential if you want to get a close-up view of the bangs and sparks. So get organised!
- Wrap up: The unpredictable great British weather rarely ever plays ball. This year it looks like wet weather and cold temperatures are on the cards. So, make sure you bring plenty of layers, including one that’s preferably waterproof, to avoid a soggy, miserable evening.
- Cash up: Yes, most places take card now, but you never know and you definitely don’t want to be stranded in a cold field with no way of buying a hot jacket potato. So, visit a cash machine before you go.
- Leave the sparklers at home: As much as we love those hot, fiery sticks, lots of organised bonfires won’t allow them or will only let you buy them on-site. So, save them for the garden at home.
There are lots of larger London-wide displays to consider visiting with your parents
1. Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
Alexandra Palace 3 Nov- 4 Nov 2023
The Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is easily one of the biggest, biggest displays in town. As ever, the display will be set to music, which is usually curated by a big-name DJ, making the always impressive fireworks exploding with a glittering panoramic view of London as its backdrop even more special. There’ll also be warming street food, a light show from Lords of Lightning, and a huge German Bier Fest with sets from tribute acts Joel Coombes: Elton John and Rogue Minogue: Kylie, DJ sets from Fat Tony and DJ Spoony and a drag party with iconic drag queens Jonny Woo and John Sizzle.
2. Dulwich Fireworks Display
Herne Hill 4 Nov 2023
This family-oriented fest (which is £1 for kids under 16) kicks off at 5pm. In addition to the explosions, they’re promising mulled wine, real ale, a barbecue, pizza and more. Prepare to ooh and ahh when the fireworks go off at 7pm. No tickets will be available on the night, so get organised!
3. Battersea Park Fireworks
Battersea 4 Nov -5 Nov 2023
Wandsworth Council’s annual display is back for 2023, doubling in size to become a two-nighter. Saturday November 4 is the regular fireworks and bonfire. While Sunday November 5 is more family-friendly, with activities for kids and fewer nerve-jangling explosions. There’ll also be mulled winter warmers and autumnal comfort food. It always sells out, so book early.
4. Coram’s Fields Fireworks Display
Kids
Bloomsbury 3 Nov 2023
This small, family-focused fireworks event in Camden’s Coram Fields proves its kid-friendly credentials by taking place a lot earlier than your average display, starting at 3.30pm and with the bangs and sparks lifting off at 6pm. It’s all free, but tickets are available for prime viewing spots. As well as the bangs, there will be food and drink stalls and performances from local schools and young people.
5. Morden Park Fireworks
Morden 12 Nov 2023
The Morden Park fireworks involve two displays, the first of which is a child-friendly one, at 5.15pm with a magic theme. That's followed by a more elaborate (read: way louder) ‘One Hit Wonders’ adult display at 7.15pm. Fairground rides and food stalls also make an appearance.#
6. Barnes Fireworks
Barnes 4 Nov 2023
This traditional bonfire night celebration features a ‘best guy’ competition – the winner of which gets to light the party’s big bonfire. Fireworks usually go off at 7.45pm. Food, mulled wine and a licensed bar will all be on hand to tempt you, too. There’ll be a DJ sound tracking the entire evening and you can also buy sparklers onsite – good news if you’ve ever braved the huge queues for the spark sticks. Tickets need to be bought in advance.
7. Wimbledon Park Fireworks
Wimbledon 4 Nov 2023
See some ‘musical fireworks’ at this two-part show in Wimbledon Park. The first display, at 5.15pmpm, is set to ‘magical’ tunes, the other, at 8.30pm, has a one-hit wonders theme. You can also expect food, drink and funfair rides.
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September Activities and Updates
Mon 11 Sep 2023Wow everyone, we are back!
We had an amazing time celebrating your graduations at school and Kidzania with you all, we were so proud of you all! Our summer flew by and we had an amazing time with Topsy-Turvy, Tanzii TV, BoxtheNiks, The Vue, Really Big Pants Theatre and Dzerts thanks to our kind sponsors WCC, HAF, Axis and Kitchen Social we are so truly grateful.
What lovely weather we are still having too, which means that there are still lots of opportunities for beach and park exploring and reconnecting with nature. The 2023 Royal Parks Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 8 October 2023 so if you would like to be part of the spectating crowd the Parks will be a hive of activity this weekend.
The Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada, is a unique challenge event. Run on closed roads with a festival atmosphere, it’s a landmark day for both runners and supporters alike. This stunning course threads its way through the beauty and majesty of four Royal Parks and past iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall. Although there are some gentle undulations it’s a generally flat course, making it fantastic for both beginners and experienced runners.
Key facts
- 13.1 miles through the heart of London
- One lap on closed roads, starting and finishing in Hyde Park
- Four water stations at mile 3, 6, 9, and 11
- Takes in many of the capital’s world-famous landmarks
- Runs through four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens
How about a walk through our most adjacent Royal Park if the half marathon feels too energetic? Kensington Gardens is often confused with Hyde Park which sits adjacent and is separated by West Carriage Drive. Unlike Hyde Park it is locked at night and has a more formal garden layout with avenues of trees converging on Kensington Palace. There are toilets next to the Italian Gardens or on the south side of the park near to the board walk exit at the end of the Flower Walk.
Starting from the Lancaster Hall Hotel, turn left along Craven Terrace and at the end you will see Kensington Gardens, turn left past the Swan pub and enter the park on your right through the gate opposite Lancaster Gate tube station. On entering the park, you will see the Italian Gardens ahead of you.
The Italian Gardens
They were the brainchild of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria and were completed in the 1860s. They consist of 4 main ponds with fountains and a central rosette, again with fountain. There are numerous stone statues, carvings and urns along with an ornate shelter which originally housed the pumps for the fountains. With the recent addition of a café behind the pump house this is a wonderful place to sit and observe the colourful park life.
To the left you will see the poshest park bench in London! Queen Anne's alcove was designed by Sir Christopher Wren who is famous for St. Paul Cathedral in the City of London and the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.
The Westbourne River once flowed above ground directly into the Serpentine but as the area become more developed and polluted it was redirected underground and the Italian Gardens were supplied with water pumped from boreholes.
When you have finished at the Italian Gardens keep on the path immediately to the right of the gardens where a unique Rolls Royce ice cream van is usually parked in the summer months. Keep on this path until you reach the Peter Pan statue on your right along with a wonderful view of the Long Water with the wide variety of bird life on display.
Peter Pan Statue
In 1912 a statue of Peter Pan appeared without warning or permission in Kensington Gardens and remained ever since. Commissioned by the author J.M Barrie and depicting Peter pan blowing a pipe on the stump of a tree it has proved a popular attraction in Kensington Gardens since. Children love to explore this intricate statue with fairies, mice and squirrels cast into the base.
Continue on this path for a few moments until it opens out into two paths. At this point you will find the most popular spot for meeting the parakeets.
The Parakeets.
We are often asked ‘Where are the parakeets in Kensington Gardens?’ As their numbers have grown over the past 15 year they have moved from near the Albert Memorial to this spot just past the Peter Pan statue.
It is not unusual to see groups of people taking photos with parakeets perched on their heads or shoulders. Apples skewered onto the railings along this path have become a common sight and seem to do the trick in attracting the parakeets. We recommend bringing a handful of seeds to guarantee a close up encounter. From here take the left hand path past the Long Water on your left and continue on the right hand fork gently up hill and follow the path all the way around to the Serpentine Gallery.
The Serpentine gallery and pavilion
The serpentine gallery came into being in 1970 when the tea rooms where turned into a gallery. Each year the Serpentine Gallery commissions a temporary summer pavilion by a leading architect which is constructed on site and remains in situ for 3 months starting in June.
After the Serpentine Gallery re-join the path running parallel with the West Carriage Drive separating Kensington Gardens with Hyde Park. Cross the main cycle path and continue straight along the path which bends to the right before the Albert Memorial comes into view.
The Albert Memorial
The Albert Memorial is a monument on a grand scale and is a must for any tour of the Royal Parks. It can be found on the Kensington side of the park by the Royal Albert Hall. Designed by George Gilbert Scott it was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert after his untimely death from typhoid fever in 1861.
Prince Albert holds a catalogue of the Great Exhibition held moments away in Hyde Park in 1851 and sits on a base surround by 187 carved figures of architects, poets, painters, sculptors and musicians. On each corner of the overall monument are marble sculptures representing Asia, Africa, America and Europe.
If you walk all the way around you will see the Royal Albert Hall which is on the boundary of an area centred around Exhibition Road containing a large number of cultural and educational institutions including Imperial College, The Science Museum, The Natural History Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Royal College of Art and the Royal College of Music, to name a few.
Stop here for refreshments at the Kiosk located next to the Albert Memorial and sit on a bench along the South Carriage Drive. This road is closed to cars and is a great spot to people watch; it attracts cyclists, runners and occasionally a game of roller hockey on a Sunday afternoon. Retrace your steps back from the Albert Memorial and enter through the gates into the Flower Walk.
The Flower walk
The Flower Walk, as the name suggests, is a long straight path adorned with mature trees and curated flower displays through spring and summer. It is a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle with benches where park goers and sit and contemplate. At the end of the Flower Walk there is a public toilet and refreshments kiosk along with the Boardwalk which is a major thoroughfare through the park. Cross over this wide path and take a narrow path on the opposite side leading up to the main gates of Kensington Palace.
Kensington Palace
Stretching back to 1605, Kensington Palace has a long rich history and to this day is the official royal residence of a number or royals including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Parts of the palace are open to the public all year round including the King's State Apartments and Queen's State Apartment. In addition, you can see the childhood apartments of Queen Victoria where she grew up. Currently you need to book in advance, and more information can be found here. Alternatively you can treat yourself to tea or coffee at the Palace Cafe. If you walk past the terrace of the Palace Cafe you can take a zig-zag path up to what is known as the Cradle Walk. If you would like to visit Kensington palace with your class and us at WCU, please get in touch and book your preferred date with us.
The Cradle Walk
The Cradle Walk is a spectacular arbour of red-twigged lime, trained over a metal frame which in summer provides an inviting shaded tunnel of green with glimpses of both the palace and the hugely colourful Sunken Garden. As you walk around the Cradle Walk you will be able to see the Sunken Gardens which are not open to the public.
The Sunken Gardens
The Sunken Garden is a formal flower garden created in 1908 based on a similar design to that found in Hampton Court. Prince Harry announced his engagement to Megan Markle in the Sunken Garden, which had been a great favourite with his mother, Diana Princess of Wales. On the 1st of July 2021 Princes Harry, Duke of Sussex and William, Duke of Cambridge unveiled a statue of their late mother, the Princess of Wales on what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday. You can read more about the statue here. As you leave the Cradle Walk and the Sunken Garden you exit onto the Broad Walk, cross over directly and you will come to the Round Pond.
The Round Pond
The Round Pond in Kensington Gardens is very much the focal point of the formal landscape features of the park and is home to a huge number of swans, geese and ducks. George II who was the last reigning monarch to use the adjacent Kensington Palace up until 1760 had commissioned the Round Pond which was finished around 1730.On a Sunday morning it is popular with model yacht enthusiasts in particular the Model Yacht Association and the London Model Yacht Club. As you reach the other side of the Round Pond continue in a straight line along an avenue of trees until you come to the Physical Energy Sculpture. If you would like to book an RSPB session with us, please get in touch and book your preferred date with us directly.
Physical Energy Sculpture
The magnificent Physical Energy sculpture is the creation of British artist George Watts who unfortunately died before it was installed in Kensington Gardens in 1907. The statue is very much a focal point given its central location within Kensington Gardens.
There are lots of key dates coming up in September for you to celebrate with some fun challenges from us at WCU:
- 15th is the International Day of Democracy
This year's theme — “Empowering the Next Generation” — focuses on the essential role of children and young people in safeguarding democracy today and in the future. Your school can access resources at https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-2548913-whole-school-democracy-assembly-pack or maybe you could get your school involved in SMART School Councils so that you can practise school democracy together at https://home.smartschoolcouncils.org.uk/
- 16th follows with National Read a Book Day and the 18th is the National Literacy Day
Why not organise a whole school reading half an hour or write us a review of your favourite book? Send them to us and there will be a prize for our top 2 reads announced after the October holidays. Or you could write your own story to enter that we could share online.
- 9th World First Aid Day
First Aid is a great skill to have to help others and if you’d like to book free training for your class get in touch with us to book your session directly.
- 18th National Coding Week
Create and share your own Scratch or Raspberry Pi project and share it, the best 3 entries will receive their very own, full Micro-Bit Set after the October holidays.
- 19th-25th Recycling Week
We will be organising Community Litter Picks with QPCC so if you’d like to get involved in some local community action ,your teachers can book in and we can all do something really amazing together.
- 21s International Day of Peace
The following 10 peace-central CREATIVE activities will help you explore this topic in a range of unique ways.
- Peace Rocks. ...
- Peace Colouring. ...
- A Promise of Peace Dove. ...
- What does peace look like? ...
- Handprint Art. ...
- Make a Peace Pledge. ...
- Peace Artwork. ...
- Peace Mala Bracelet.
- 22nd Car Free Day
Why not organise a car-free day for the event and share with TFL as the start of your STARS journey? https://stars.tfl.gov.uk/
- 26th European Day of Languages How about exploring one of these Free Online Language Learning Resources for Kids
- ABCYA. A free educational site for kids ages pre-K-6+ with games and activities in English, as well as Spanish word bingo and Spanish vocabulary.
- Bookflix. ...
- Digital Dialects. ...
- Duolingo. ...
- LearnEnglishKids. ...
- Mango Languages. ...
- PBS. ...
- TumbleBooks Library.
- 29th World Heart Day
What is the theme of World Heart Day 2023?
World Heart Day 2023: Theme, Facts and Purpose
Use Heart for every Heart
“Use Heart for every Heart” is this year's theme, unanimously declared by the World Heart Federation. Although this day emphasizes cardiac diseases and urges the world community to keep their heart healthy yet this theme of the day takes us beyond the just physical wellness of the heart. Create a poster to raise awareness or organise a sports event to promote healthy heart behaviours. Share it with us through your coordinator and we will put it online for everyone to see. Take a dance class (or try Pilates, hiking, ice skating). Choose physical activities for social time with friends and family and multiply heart-healthy effects!
There will be achievement codes for all of the above and we have some amazing opportunities for you all this coming season so we look forward to meeting your coordinators and getting you all booked up this September…
Wow everyone, we are back!
We had an amazing time celebrating your graduations at school and Kidzania with you all, we were so proud of you all! Our summer flew by and we had an amazing time with Topsy-Turvy, Tanzii TV, BoxtheNiks, The Vue, Really Big Pants Theatre and Dzerts thanks to our kind sponsors WCC, HAF, Axis and Kitchen Social we are so truly grateful.
What lovely weather we are still having too, which means that there are still lots of opportunities for beach and park exploring and reconnecting with nature. The 2023 Royal Parks Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 8 October 2023 so if you would like to be part of the spectating crowd the Parks will be a hive of activity this weekend.
The Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada, is a unique challenge event. Run on closed roads with a festival atmosphere, it’s a landmark day for both runners and supporters alike. This stunning course threads its way through the beauty and majesty of four Royal Parks and past iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall. Although there are some gentle undulations it’s a generally flat course, making it fantastic for both beginners and experienced runners.
Key facts
- 13.1 miles through the heart of London
- One lap on closed roads, starting and finishing in Hyde Park
- Four water stations at mile 3, 6, 9, and 11
- Takes in many of the capital’s world-famous landmarks
- Runs through four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens
How about a walk through our most adjacent Royal Park if the half marathon feels too energetic? Kensington Gardens is often confused with Hyde Park which sits adjacent and is separated by West Carriage Drive. Unlike Hyde Park it is locked at night and has a more formal garden layout with avenues of trees converging on Kensington Palace. There are toilets next to the Italian Gardens or on the south side of the park near to the board walk exit at the end of the Flower Walk.
Starting from the Lancaster Hall Hotel, turn left along Craven Terrace and at the end you will see Kensington Gardens, turn left past the Swan pub and enter the park on your right through the gate opposite Lancaster Gate tube station. On entering the park, you will see the Italian Gardens ahead of you.
The Italian Gardens
They were the brainchild of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria and were completed in the 1860s. They consist of 4 main ponds with fountains and a central rosette, again with fountain. There are numerous stone statues, carvings and urns along with an ornate shelter which originally housed the pumps for the fountains. With the recent addition of a café behind the pump house this is a wonderful place to sit and observe the colourful park life.
To the left you will see the poshest park bench in London! Queen Anne's alcove was designed by Sir Christopher Wren who is famous for St. Paul Cathedral in the City of London and the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.
The Westbourne River once flowed above ground directly into the Serpentine but as the area become more developed and polluted it was redirected underground and the Italian Gardens were supplied with water pumped from boreholes.
When you have finished at the Italian Gardens keep on the path immediately to the right of the gardens where a unique Rolls Royce ice cream van is usually parked in the summer months. Keep on this path until you reach the Peter Pan statue on your right along with a wonderful view of the Long Water with the wide variety of bird life on display.
Peter Pan Statue
In 1912 a statue of Peter Pan appeared without warning or permission in Kensington Gardens and remained ever since. Commissioned by the author J.M Barrie and depicting Peter pan blowing a pipe on the stump of a tree it has proved a popular attraction in Kensington Gardens since. Children love to explore this intricate statue with fairies, mice and squirrels cast into the base.
Continue on this path for a few moments until it opens out into two paths. At this point you will find the most popular spot for meeting the parakeets.
The Parakeets.
We are often asked ‘Where are the parakeets in Kensington Gardens?’ As their numbers have grown over the past 15 year they have moved from near the Albert Memorial to this spot just past the Peter Pan statue.
It is not unusual to see groups of people taking photos with parakeets perched on their heads or shoulders. Apples skewered onto the railings along this path have become a common sight and seem to do the trick in attracting the parakeets. We recommend bringing a handful of seeds to guarantee a close up encounter. From here take the left hand path past the Long Water on your left and continue on the right hand fork gently up hill and follow the path all the way around to the Serpentine Gallery.
The Serpentine gallery and pavilion
The serpentine gallery came into being in 1970 when the tea rooms where turned into a gallery. Each year the Serpentine Gallery commissions a temporary summer pavilion by a leading architect which is constructed on site and remains in situ for 3 months starting in June.
After the Serpentine Gallery re-join the path running parallel with the West Carriage Drive separating Kensington Gardens with Hyde Park. Cross the main cycle path and continue straight along the path which bends to the right before the Albert Memorial comes into view.
The Albert Memorial
The Albert Memorial is a monument on a grand scale and is a must for any tour of the Royal Parks. It can be found on the Kensington side of the park by the Royal Albert Hall. Designed by George Gilbert Scott it was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert after his untimely death from typhoid fever in 1861.
Prince Albert holds a catalogue of the Great Exhibition held moments away in Hyde Park in 1851 and sits on a base surround by 187 carved figures of architects, poets, painters, sculptors and musicians. On each corner of the overall monument are marble sculptures representing Asia, Africa, America and Europe.
If you walk all the way around you will see the Royal Albert Hall which is on the boundary of an area centred around Exhibition Road containing a large number of cultural and educational institutions including Imperial College, The Science Museum, The Natural History Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Royal College of Art and the Royal College of Music, to name a few.
Stop here for refreshments at the Kiosk located next to the Albert Memorial and sit on a bench along the South Carriage Drive. This road is closed to cars and is a great spot to people watch; it attracts cyclists, runners and occasionally a game of roller hockey on a Sunday afternoon. Retrace your steps back from the Albert Memorial and enter through the gates into the Flower Walk.
The Flower walk
The Flower Walk, as the name suggests, is a long straight path adorned with mature trees and curated flower displays through spring and summer. It is a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle with benches where park goers and sit and contemplate. At the end of the Flower Walk there is a public toilet and refreshments kiosk along with the Boardwalk which is a major thoroughfare through the park. Cross over this wide path and take a narrow path on the opposite side leading up to the main gates of Kensington Palace.
Kensington Palace
Stretching back to 1605, Kensington Palace has a long rich history and to this day is the official royal residence of a number or royals including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Parts of the palace are open to the public all year round including the King's State Apartments and Queen's State Apartment. In addition, you can see the childhood apartments of Queen Victoria where she grew up. Currently you need to book in advance, and more information can be found here. Alternatively you can treat yourself to tea or coffee at the Palace Cafe. If you walk past the terrace of the Palace Cafe you can take a zig-zag path up to what is known as the Cradle Walk. If you would like to visit Kensington palace with your class and us at WCU, please get in touch and book your preferred date with us.
The Cradle Walk
The Cradle Walk is a spectacular arbour of red-twigged lime, trained over a metal frame which in summer provides an inviting shaded tunnel of green with glimpses of both the palace and the hugely colourful Sunken Garden. As you walk around the Cradle Walk you will be able to see the Sunken Gardens which are not open to the public.
The Sunken Gardens
The Sunken Garden is a formal flower garden created in 1908 based on a similar design to that found in Hampton Court. Prince Harry announced his engagement to Megan Markle in the Sunken Garden, which had been a great favourite with his mother, Diana Princess of Wales. On the 1st of July 2021 Princes Harry, Duke of Sussex and William, Duke of Cambridge unveiled a statue of their late mother, the Princess of Wales on what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday. You can read more about the statue here. As you leave the Cradle Walk and the Sunken Garden you exit onto the Broad Walk, cross over directly and you will come to the Round Pond.
The Round Pond
The Round Pond in Kensington Gardens is very much the focal point of the formal landscape features of the park and is home to a huge number of swans, geese and ducks. George II who was the last reigning monarch to use the adjacent Kensington Palace up until 1760 had commissioned the Round Pond which was finished around 1730.On a Sunday morning it is popular with model yacht enthusiasts in particular the Model Yacht Association and the London Model Yacht Club. As you reach the other side of the Round Pond continue in a straight line along an avenue of trees until you come to the Physical Energy Sculpture. If you would like to book an RSPB session with us, please get in touch and book your preferred date with us directly.
Physical Energy Sculpture
The magnificent Physical Energy sculpture is the creation of British artist George Watts who unfortunately died before it was installed in Kensington Gardens in 1907. The statue is very much a focal point given its central location within Kensington Gardens.
There are lots of key dates coming up in September for you to celebrate with some fun challenges from us at WCU:
- 15th is the International Day of Democracy
This year's theme — “Empowering the Next Generation” — focuses on the essential role of children and young people in safeguarding democracy today and in the future. Your school can access resources at https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-2548913-whole-school-democracy-assembly-pack or maybe you could get your school involved in SMART School Councils so that you can practise school democracy together at https://home.smartschoolcouncils.org.uk/
- 16th follows with National Read a Book Day and the 18th is the National Literacy Day
Why not organise a whole school reading half an hour or write us a review of your favourite book? Send them to us and there will be a prize for our top 2 reads announced after the October holidays. Or you could write your own story to enter that we could share online.
- 9th World First Aid Day
First Aid is a great skill to have to help others and if you’d like to book free training for your class get in touch with us to book your session directly.
- 18th National Coding Week
Create and share your own Scratch or Raspberry Pi project and share it, the best 3 entries will receive their very own, full Micro-Bit Set after the October holidays.
- 19th-25th Recycling Week
We will be organising Community Litter Picks with QPCC so if you’d like to get involved in some local community action ,your teachers can book in and we can all do something really amazing together.
- 21s International Day of Peace
The following 10 peace-central CREATIVE activities will help you explore this topic in a range of unique ways.
- Peace Rocks. ...
- Peace Colouring. ...
- A Promise of Peace Dove. ...
- What does peace look like? ...
- Handprint Art. ...
- Make a Peace Pledge. ...
- Peace Artwork. ...
- Peace Mala Bracelet.
- 22nd Car Free Day
Why not organise a car-free day for the event and share with TFL as the start of your STARS journey? https://stars.tfl.gov.uk/
- 26th European Day of Languages How about exploring one of these Free Online Language Learning Resources for Kids
- ABCYA. A free educational site for kids ages pre-K-6+ with games and activities in English, as well as Spanish word bingo and Spanish vocabulary.
- Bookflix. ...
- Digital Dialects. ...
- Duolingo. ...
- LearnEnglishKids. ...
- Mango Languages. ...
- PBS. ...
- TumbleBooks Library.
- 29th World Heart Day
What is the theme of World Heart Day 2023?
World Heart Day 2023: Theme, Facts and Purpose
Use Heart for every Heart
“Use Heart for every Heart” is this year's theme, unanimously declared by the World Heart Federation. Although this day emphasizes cardiac diseases and urges the world community to keep their heart healthy yet this theme of the day takes us beyond the just physical wellness of the heart. Create a poster to raise awareness or organise a sports event to promote healthy heart behaviours. Share it with us through your coordinator and we will put it online for everyone to see. Take a dance class (or try Pilates, hiking, ice skating). Choose physical activities for social time with friends and family and multiply heart-healthy effects!
There will be achievement codes for all of the above and we have some amazing opportunities for you all this coming season so we look forward to meeting your coordinators and getting you all booked up this September…
-
Welcome Back
Mon 17 Apr 2023Welcome back to school everyone! We hope you had a restful Easter break and are ready to get stuck into the next school term. If you joined us for our free holiday club, it was super to see you and we look forward to the next time we meet up for holiday fun. We would like to thank Kitchen Social, Topsy-Turvy and Tanzii TV for a week of great fun and look forward to next time we meet already.
We have workshops from Tanzii TV available in July so let us know if you would like to get involved
You can see their project and get involved online at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-qhWPA0vTE
It is so surprising how quickly the term is moving forward and we grow closer and closer to the end of the academic year. Not before we tackle SATS, Celebrate the coronation and Ramadan and of course graduate.
Did you know this week is Earth Day! Invest in Our Planet this week by bringing discussions around our Earth into your classroom.
If you didn't have plans for Earth Day already? Don't worry, we have you covered. Firstly, Into Film+ has a whole host of educational long and short films and documentaries to bring conversations about our Earth into the classroom. We also have teaching resources, such as our Eco Explorers resource, to help structure your lessons for you.
Earth Day is coming up this week on the 22 April. This year's theme is Invest in Our Planet which aims to focus on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and the more than 1 billion citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part. So with this in mind, such conversations should be front and centre in all young people’s education, not only to inform them of climate change’s impact, but to provide inspiration on how we can all respond and adapt, and that everyone is accountable.
And Into film proves that film is the perfect medium to inspire young people!
So Check out EARTH DAY FILMS ON INTO FILM+
Eve, 11-16 years
This short documentary shows how nine-year-old Eve and her family live amongst nature, growing food from the ground and co-existing in a rural community. Eve is passionate about environmental issues and the film also follows her involvement in activism. This documentary discusses the many ways sustainability can be practiced and asks questions about how social norms impact environmental action.
Watch Eve with Into Film+
The Martian, 12
When an exploration assignment to Mars is struck by a violent storm, the crew is forced to abandon the mission - leaving behind astronaut Mark Watney who is forced against the odds to find a way of surviving. The Martian is a great film to watch as part of Science, Biology and PSHE lessons and discuss ways of using and creating new resources, sustainability and biowaste management.
Watch The Martian with Into Film+
Free Solo, 12
This documentary chronicles Alex Honnold's attempt to be the first person ever to free solo climb Yosemite's 3,200ft high El Capitan rock. Free solo is an inspirational celebration of one of the most daring acts in the history of extreme sports, all captured in incredible detail with exquisite, close-up camera work.
Watch Free Solo with Into Film+
Luca, U
In this sweet coming-of-age tale about friendship and growing up, two sea monsters disguised as teenage boys explore an Italian seaside town and decide to compete in its annual triathlon competition. The film also provides a gentle introduction to Italian culture and language-learning.
Watch Luca with Into Film+
Our year 5 had a great time at Finastra at the end of last half term in preparation for Earth Day taking part in a future solutions Hackathon and this term we will be producing sustainability focused art in school for a competition with our supporters at Axis. If you would like to visit Finastra and get involved yourselves this opportunity is available through the summer term so please let us know as there are coding and financial education opportunities available throughout.
We will also be working at Hallfield on creating art for public sharing and continuing the theme with workshops throughout the summer term. Getting creative is a big priority for us so we will be working throughout the upcoming terms on public art with our friends at the Canal Cavalcade, Paddington Central and Axis.
If direct action is more your style, we are organising an upcoming community litter pick with Queens Park Council and will be doing Urban Gardening in the run up to summer so let us know if you’d like to get involved?
