Welcome 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 17^th.

 

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.

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:

• 15^th 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/

 

• 16^th follows with National Read a Book Day and the 18^th 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.

 

• 9^th 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.

 

• 18^th 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.

 

• 19^th-25^th 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.

1. Peace Rocks. ...
2. Peace Colouring. ...
3. A Promise of Peace Dove. ...
4. What does peace look like? ...
5. Handprint Art. ...
6. Make a Peace Pledge. ...
7. Peace Artwork. ...
8. Peace Mala Bracelet.

 

• 22^nd 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/

 

• 26^th European Day of Languages How about exploring one of these Free Online Language Learning Resources for Kids

1. 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.
2. Bookflix. ...
3. Digital Dialects. ...
4. Duolingo. ...
5. LearnEnglishKids. ...
6. Mango Languages. ...
7. PBS. ...
8. TumbleBooks Library.

 

• 29^th 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:

• 15^th 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/

 

• 16^th follows with National Read a Book Day and the 18^th 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.

 

• 9^th 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.

 

• 18^th 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.

 

• 19^th-25^th 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.

1. Peace Rocks. ...
2. Peace Colouring. ...
3. A Promise of Peace Dove. ...
4. What does peace look like? ...
5. Handprint Art. ...
6. Make a Peace Pledge. ...
7. Peace Artwork. ...
8. Peace Mala Bracelet.

 

• 22^nd 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/

 

• 26^th European Day of Languages How about exploring one of these Free Online Language Learning Resources for Kids

1. 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.
2. Bookflix. ...
3. Digital Dialects. ...
4. Duolingo. ...
5. LearnEnglishKids. ...
6. Mango Languages. ...
7. PBS. ...
8. TumbleBooks Library.

 

• 29^th 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 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?

 

March in London is as busy as ever – and, as always, it’s a great place for a family day out. With Mother’s Day and a host of other festivals and events, there’s a lot happening in the capital. March is a lovely time of year being the first month of spring, a time when we will start to see all of the plants growing and things coming to life within our community and the wider world, which is why we think it’s a brilliant time to be celebrating our green spaces.

We are pleased to be planning to be working with Queens Park community Council this month on a community little pic.so if you’re interested in coming down with your school and doing some community service and making our area a better place for everyone, please get in touch with us and we will book in your slot so you can come and join in and help us contribute to the conditions in our local environment and taking action to make it a better place for us all.

If getting out into the open is something you’re interested in, there are lots of exciting opportunities coming up this spring. We are very near Kensington Gardens, being just a 36 bus ride away from us, on Friday the 17th of March from 12 am to 1:30 pm. You can go on a guided tour of the gardens walking around the venue, discovering its hidden stories and statues and learning about its history, you can book tickets for this on the royal parks website at £12 each.

Visiting Kensington Gardens and playing in the beautiful Diana Memorial playground is completely free as is taking in culture at the Serpentine Gallery, or making friends with the ducks and swans. So, make sure you take a chance to get down there if you can, and celebrate the beginning of the growth period for UK plants and creatures during this, the first month of spring this year.

Since we’re talking about being outdoors and enjoying the beginning of the spring, how about booking yourself a visit to the Sky garden visits are free and you can visit between 10 am and 6 pm during the week and 11 am and 9 pm on weekends. The venue offers amazing views of across London and the there is plenty to see and do.

On the 22nd to the 23rd of this month, we will all be going to celebrate the beauty and educational value of film with over 1000 of us going to into film festival showings this year. We will be going twice as usual and in March we will be watching Matilda, Raya and the Dragon and Fireball in different venues across London. Going to the cinema is a great way of experiencing new learning and exploring new topics together while getting out and about in London so we are really excited and thankful for into film for allowing us to take part.

The deadline for the Puss-in-Boots competition is the 3rd of March and the children from Queens Park and Hallfield School have taken part in this. So, by the end of March, we will be closer to knowing what the winning entrants look like (as the winner will be chosen on the 3rd of March); they will recite receive a whole list of amazing prizes which will be delivered directly to their school.

If you get to go with your class to one of the amazing screenings, You can write a review for the review 500 competition where you could also win prizes here, you would write a 500 word or less review of the film you have watched and submit it to your children’s university coordinator and they can upload it and enter it online for you (or send it to me and I will do it for you). It’s a great way to practice your analytical writing skills and to share your opinions.

 The 31st of March is another competition deadline as it is the Poetry by Heart deadline. All through March, will be encouraging schools to get active and engaged with the art of performance poetry. There’s a great selection of poetry for you to pick from on the website. So get on board and take a pick from the great selection of poems to choose from that are suggesting for this year’s competition. Then, all you have to do is practice the poem, learn it by heart and bring it to life with your acting skills. The lucky winners, who are picked by the judges after submitting their videos, will get a chance to perform on the great stage at the Globe, which will be an amazing experience for anyone who is interested in literature and acting. We can’t wait to see everyone’s performances.

We are really pleased to announce that we have another therapy dog with us now at WCU, who may be visiting your schools with their friend and owner Goo who will be visiting and running wellbeing sessions in schools and nurseries near you.

Robotics teacher training

VEX now offers free, online training that helps educators at all different ability levels. Experience fun and engaging lessons while supporting students as they become proficient with the VEX Robotics system.

By the end of the VEX Certified Educator program, you will be fully prepared to implement VEX Robotics and become a leader in technology and innovation within your school and community.

https://certifications.vex.com/get-started-now

Vex STEM Labs to remotely Acess

STEM Labs function as "plugin" lessons that can fit into your existing curriculum. Multiple labs can be utilized in sequential order to create a unique, extended learning experience. STEM Labs promote collaboration and exploratory learning.

Students enjoy hands-on-learning activities that allow them to apply technology, science, math, and engineering skills as they enjoy a 21st-century learning experience.

STEM Labs have something to offer for everyone.

https://education.vex.com/

The Great Exhibition 2023 continues

Have Great Exhibition fun at home online, discover some of the team’s favourite family-friendly events for you to enjoy on demand. https://www.greatexhibitionroadfestival.co.uk/explore/families/

Create a superhero with special powers to fight off all the baddies in the hospital at this fun drawing workshop for all the family.

Led by a professional illustrator and scientists from Imperial College London, we’ll be creating awesome hospital superheroes where you get to imagine and draw their special powers, like germ-zapping and healing super-strength.

All you will need to take part is something to draw with (coloured pens, pencils, biros felt tips) and something to draw on (paper, notebook, card). Plus our worksheet, which you can either print out or have on screen for the event.

https://www.greatexhibitionroadfestival.co.uk/explore/families/superhero-drawing-workshop/

Create and play with colour with chemical engineering student Emily Xu, and chemical biology researcher Helena Dodd. Like many scientists and artists they are fascinated by the chemistry that puts colour into the world around us, from our clothes to our food. And they have a story to share about a Victorian chemist who found fame with a colourful invention he created by accident!

https://www.greatexhibitionroadfestival.co.uk/explore/families/chemistry-colour/

Explore the night sky and the impacts of light pollution with this simple family-friendly star gazing experiment you can do in your garden or out of your window.

 

Created by Imperial Material scientist Ahli, Huda and her colleagues at UAE STEM in the UK, I spy celebrates the Nobel Prize winner Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and his ground-breaking discoveries around how stars form and how they explode.

https://www.greatexhibitionroadfestival.co.uk/explore/families/i-spy/

Apple Garage Band Sessions

Whether students have played music before or not, it time to learn how to start a song in GarageBand using Live Loops in this 30-minute session. You’ll get hands-on with pre-recorded music patterns on iPad to find your groove. Bring your iPad or we’ll provide one. Recommended for beginners.

Apple video coaching at the Piazza

Capture your best video with iPhone. Learn simple techniques like how to control exposure or set focus, and explore new ways to record video. Get hands-on with the latest iPhone or bring your own. Recommended for all skill levels.

The Smart School Council-Overview-Paid Program

 

We are launching The Smart School Council at WCU

The Smart School Council Involves ALL pupils in developing skills and we love the idea of everyone in every class being involved

Directly addresses Ofsted requirements on British Values/SMSC & Prevent

Tracks data on involvement

Is easier to run than the current school council

Is different to a traditional school council.

 

 Three clear elements

Class meetings: Short, regular, structured and pupil-led meetings in every class across the school.

Action teams: Any pupil can set up an action team based on an idea or issue that they have.

Communication team: Brings the whole model together, facilitates wide involvement and tracks it.

 

What impact does it have?

More pupils are involved:

It increases the average percentage of all pupils directly involved in developing skills and learning as part of their school council and Encourages quieter pupils to get involved

 

To find out more for yourselves check out https://home.smartschoolcouncils.org.uk/

 

MineCraft London Design Challenge

Just before Christmas the Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills invited teachers to attend a webinar to find out more about the Design Future London design challenge.  At the webinar you they found out more about what to expect from the challenge, how to get free Minecraft licences and also have the opportunity to ask any questions about delivering to classes.

 

We are holding 2 sessions Wednesday 11 January 2023 at 4pm and Monday 16 January 2023 at 4pm. Colleagues from Minecraft Education will be at the session on the 16 January, so do come along! They are looking forward to hearing what you have to say and answer any questions you may have if you didn’t attend you can Sign up here!

 

Building your designs in 3D

 

They are also providing model making kits to state funded schools and further education colleges where students have registered to enter the challenge. Please take a look at this page to find out more. To register your interest in receiving a kit, please email designchallenge@london.gov.uk  and provide your school name, school address, teacher contact details including name, email address and contact number (for help with deliveries) and the number of students and their names so that we can cross check against our database of registered entrants.

 

Launch of Minecraft: Education Edition

 This is in just two weeks times. You will be able to sign up for a free licence for your students. This gives one more way that your students can create and build their entry. They will email registered schools nearer the time. 

Face to Face events in Croydon Town Centre

Don’t forget to sign up your students on one of the events with local artists. It will be an engaging 2.5 hour session for your students. 1.5 hours with local artists working through ideas around the built environment and then a one hour self-guided tour of Croydon to get a feel of the town centre and the opportunities to design around.  

 Dream Arts

Dream arts Experiment is a great program where our students can learn weekly from leading professionals, create their own work and develop your dance, acting and singing skills.

Every weekend Dream Arts Creative Labs enable 7-19 year olds to explore and unleash their talents. Our skilled professionals encourage members to devise their own work – from new musicals to short films and radio plays and we attend every session at WCU.

 

We also fund spaces for interested WCU students and fund additional programs..

 

If you are interested in taking part in one of these creative and fun sessions you can get involved by attending one of the sessions below

 

Dream Arts Experiment on Saturdays from 8 October 2022

The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith St, SW1P 3BU, 10am-1:30pm

 

Ages 7 - 12 devising and performing their own original musicals

 

Dream Arts Experiment on Sundays from 9 October 2022

City of Westminster College, Paddington Green, W2 1NB, 10:30am-2:30pm

 

Ages 7 - 12 devising and performing their own original musicals

 

Dream Arts Performance Company Immersive Theatre Project

City of Westminster College, Paddington Green, W2 1NB, 1pm-4pm

 

Find out more at https://www.dreamarts.org.uk/projects/experiment/

 

 

January 2023 Update and Offer

Happy 2023 everyone!

Happy New Year 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 -Especially trial schools 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 took part in Finastra/First Aid as our colleagues in Soho Parish/Hallfield did we hope you had fun and let us know if you'd like to do more?

If you would like access to these this year please let me know and we can arrange this

We have art award hourly sessions available and Textiles begins in St Marys this New Year, so again please get in touch for these

Please let us know if you'd like mind Up Insets, author visits in your school as this is also possible

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 2022-155,000+ hours of adventure and fun and can’t wait to see what this year brings. For our January offer we have lots of creative, STEAM/STEM fun for you including clubs, challenges and visits.

Vex Club with Chelsea Foundation

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.

Ibrick Topsy Turvy-Paid Activity

We spent three great days with our friends at Topsy Turvy this December and look forward to taking part in their projects this year. If you haven’t checked them out you can visit individually at weekends or book a class session through your coordinators.

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 9.30-6pm

KWC 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.

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 in January 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.

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.

Excel for Schools

By learning Excel, you can develop strong analytical skills. Early Excel learners will be ahead of their peers and may be able to work faster, smarter, and better.

That's why we think you will find this Introduction to Excel page useful. The page is by Acuity Training and we think it could help students (and teachers) who want to flex their data handling muscles this New Year. Follow the lessons at the link below and let us know how you do.

 We look forward to further collaboration with Acuity Training this year at Westminster Children’s University, who knows there may be zoom meets and lessons coming your way soon.

https://www.acuitytraining.co.uk/white-paper/introduction-to-excel/

You can enhance your math skills through use of the application's calculation feature. This encourages you to practice more math, and learn to correct their mistakes while using new to you, built-in error tools and help functions.

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.

Last year, almost 350,000 KS1 children enjoyed these unique energetic and imaginative sessions at over 2,000 schools.

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

FinEd/ FinTec

If you haven’t had the chance to book you’re your Fin Ed and Fintech sessions at Finastra, the New Year is a perfect time to learn new skills and develop better money habits. Sessions are available for all age groups and are free.

The workshops are a great way to see money and tech professionals at work while learning and shaping new habits and skills so get in touch with your coordinators if this is something you would like for your school and we will assist you to book in at Finastra, Paddington Central with our wonderfully clever friends.

Tom Half Penny Guitar

We have funded guitar lessons again this year 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

Learning about Agriculture with Farmvention

 https://www.farmvention.com/

The Farmvention: Climate Superheroes challenge is all about the problems that climate change creates for British farmers and how they are fighting it to become Climate Superheroes.

Explore our themed inspiration hubs to get you thinking. Each one is full of investigations to complete at home or school, alongside some exciting tours of our climate superheroes’ farms to inspire you. Don’t forget to share your ideas with us using the social media links below. We’d love to see them!

 

The Challenge:

Create an invention, innovation or idea to help British farmers continue to care for the environment and become Climate Super Heroes. The Engineering Educates Farmvention Challenge, our brand-new campaign that inspires learners to think as engineers, is now live!

To support your learners with their challenge, from next week, Becca and Lizzie will be introducing them to a host of inspirational role models from the world of agriculture and engineering.

Join us live on Friday afternoons, ready with your learners’ questions about all things food, farming, engineering and environment!

Have your learners ever met a robot engineer? Or a champion shepherdess? Would they enjoy putting their questions to someone who worked on the world's fastest tractor? Sign them up today!

Book your class meetings with those who work in Agriculture on Eventbrite for free

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nfu-education-x-becca-lizzie-meet-1342719?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

November /December Update with January-February Opportunities

We have been really busy prepping for the new year and coordinating several large scale events for our young people at WCU in the last few months .October-December saw 136 of our young people going to the RAH future makers,200 to Forest School,1500> at into film and 80 at WRI activities and arts award projects . We are pleased to share our December/January Opportunities and news and First Aid training for 150 students in 3 schools all in the last two months. If you would like free training session at your school please contact Leila at l-french2@sky.com

Here we are nearing the end of December, I hope you all got to take part in this winter’s Into Film Festival we had 1500> students attending from EYFS-KS2 and it was amazing as ever. Don’t forget to submit student reviews for chances of publishing and further prizes and treats at https://www.intofilm.org/theme/95/about

For a chance to win £200 vouchers

To enter student feedback go to https://intofilm.tfaforms.net/f/IntoFilmFestival_YP_2022

To enter student feedback go to https://intofilm.tfaforms.net/f/IntoFilmFestival_Teacher_2022

Grow Schools Project Sign Up is now available, this is a great growing and learning opportunity for urban settings and ca include subsidized purchase of in-school growing towers as promoted by Let’s Localise. You can sign up and express interest at https://www.letslocalise.co.uk/for-school/green-skill-programe.

Get involved with funding and Projects through Lets Localise for free by signing your school up. You can run project funding pages from here and access great subsidies on new projects such as the Green Skill Program.

Join Let’s Localise for free at https://www.letslocalise.co.uk/for-school/green-skill-programe/grow-school

In the market place you can sell school merch and tickets etc. while seeing what is available to you locally at subsidy https://www.letslocalise.co.uk/for-school/marketplace

We are funding spaces at Dream Arts, a weekend drama project here in West London. You can see our Dream Arts Page at https://www.westminsterchildrensuniversity.co.uk/dream-arts-drama-club/ 

DreamArts transforms young lives through arts and therapy. Members express themselves on their own terms, explore their challenges and build their strengths so they can realise their potential.

You can sign up directly at https://www.dreamarts.org.uk/sign-up/ or contact me directly for a funded space.

We are having a Free Pantomime here at QPPS W104DQ at 1:30 on Friday 23^rd December QPPS with the Seagull theatre Project

Free Forest School /RSPB Session 28-29 December 9-11 am BT ST John’s Forest School, we will meet at QPPS, Droop Street, W104DQ at 8:45.Contact me directly at swilson@queensparkschool.co.uk to book free spaces on both of these.

https://www.greatexhibitionroadfestival.co.uk/

We are excited to get going with the preparation of the Great Exhibition to take place in the science quarter next year. Imperial College London are sending mentors into schools to help students build prototypes for future solution inventions the best of which will be part of the show itself next year and visited and seen by 1000’s of visitors. You can sign up at greatexhibition@big-ideas.org and get into with the team to get involved.

You can go on a virtual Royal Parks Tour of the home of the Exhibition (Crystal Palace) at https://www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/the-great-exhibition-virtual-tour as part of your preparation for the event.

You can even take part in the fun from your classroom or home by signing up at https://www.big-ideas.org/join1851/

FinEd /FinTec these visits are available throughout the new year with our friends at Finastra, to book your experience days in 2023 and to access their online FinEd content please contact me directly at swilson@queensparkschool.co.uk to book free spaces on both of these projects.

Plus, two runners-up will be chosen. They’ll win:

If virtual tours are you kind of thing and you feel like going on some from class or at home adventures access our virtual tours for free at https://www.westminsterchildrensuniversity.co.uk/virtual-tours/

It's time for STAEDTLER's Big School Sketchathon

A 2022 report found that the screen time of children aged 6-10 has increased by an average of 1hr 24mins a day since the pandemic. In response to this, Staedtler designed the Big School Sketchathon — an unplugged, pencil-to-paper challenge to help your pupils' young minds rest and grow.

Designed to take place for one month from 08 November, pupils can take part in the Sketchathon during school hours or break times, at after school clubs, or at home — all to be in with a chance of winning an amazing stationery bundle for their school.

✅ £200 worth of stationery for their school

✅ An official runner up certificate

✅ A personal STAEDTLER goody bag. What's more, on behalf of the first 1,500 entrants, we will donate £1 to Place2Be — a children's mental health charity which offers practical support for the wellbeing of pupils and teachers in UK schools.

Join up for free and download resources at https://www.teachersclub.staedtler.co.uk/competitions/its-time-staedtlers-big-school-sketchathon/

Free Arts Award and Textile Projects with Hermione Wood for your school

We are already delivering Arts Award in Hallfield school with year 3 ,if you are local and would like in- person sessions or further away and would like to book 5 afternoon sessions via zoom and earn beginner and intermediate arts awards for yourselves, please book directly at swilson@queensparkschool.co.uk to schedule free slots on both of these start in January.

Non-Contact boxing and Sports Coaching at your venue with BoxTheNiks

So far over 160 students in 3 schools have enjoyed sessions with Lee and Hussain from BoxTheNiks if you would like a visit and sessions from them please contact Lee and Hussain at info@boxthenix.org or CONTACT Hussain directly on 07474473494

December Holiday Clubs

Join us for fun, food and adventures this winter December 19-23^rd (9:00-3:45) Monday to Friday. If you are a F.S.M (Free-School-Meals) customer, come and join us this winter for a full week of free outings and activities in London including a pantomime, soft-play, art and boxing. To see past projects visit https://www.westminsterchildrensuniversity.co.uk/holiday-clubs/

Please book directly at swilson@queensparkschool.co.uk the booking form is available at https://www.westminsterchildrensuniversity.co.uk/holiday-clubs/

But remember verbal confirmation is needed to secure a place

We will be running a free forest school session on the 29^th -30^th from 9:00-11:00am so come along to see us at the new site for fun in the winter chill.

Book a space directly with me at swilson@queensparkschool.co.uk again, remember confirmation is needed to secure a place

 

December is approaching so don't forget to secure your free Free School Meal place at our upcoming December Club 2022 19th-23rd December.

We were so happy to spend two whole days of learning and fun with our friends at Topsy-Turvy Brent Cross in our autumn club and can’t wait to return this December during our winter holiday Club amoungother exciting activities.

Look out for even more skills and building opportunities in our January news.

A day at their brick education centre comprises of Fun, Interactive & Stimulating Lego education workshops inside a giant children’s soft play arena that’s been a staple of the community for over 20 years.

Children are immersed in our Ibrick Lego lessons, led by our expert engineers before having ample time to explore the huge soft play and jungle gym area the venue also has on offer.

Attendees touch on all areas of the school curriculum lead by trained facilitators, with sessions including the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEAM) blueprint all whilst tailoring our lessons to match your needs and school requirements.

Find out more and book your own STEAM Adventure at https://brickeducation.co.uk/

London School’s Mini Marathon- Monday 26 September and Friday 21 October

All schools across the UK were part of the world’s biggest marathon by signing up to the 2022 TCS Mini London Marathon in schools. We are excited to take part and hope you will get involved too. We are doing ours at Paddington recreation ground after school in October, so get in touch to join in.

The challenge was for children to complete 2.6 miles by running, jogging, walking or wheeling in their school between Monday 26 September and Friday 21 October. Any school can take part and it’s suitable for all ages and abilities. There were lots of resources on the website and every finisher received a commemorative pin badge completely free of charge. If you took part don’t forget to submit us some diaries and pictures via your coordinator for us to all share and celebrate.

Road Safety Week (14 - 20 NOVEMBER 2022)

Road Safety Week is this week, its Brake’s biggest annual road safety campaign. Every year, thousands of schools, organisations and communities get involved to shout out for our right to make safe and healthy journeys every day. Getting involved can help your school to meet the HEYL Bronze criteria and to design a HEYL Silver/Gold project on this topic.

Sign up for resources and challenges at https://www.brake.org.uk/

Dream Arts Trip to Lion King November 17^th 2022

This Thursday the Dream Arts Club are going to the Lyceum Theatre to watch Lion King to complement their own drama studies and performances we will post pictures in the coordinators blog for all to enjoy,

WCU feedback Survey Open –Prize draw

Parents please tell us what you think at S https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NW6WPL8

Students let us know what you think at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/P2KV6XX

There is a chance to win a £50 voucher in each survey-just leave you full name after your comments

Get ready for a science winter with Santa’s Stem Workshop

Free teaching resources and classroom activities for students aged 5-11 years including lesson plans, handouts and film clips are waiting for the festive season at https://education.theiet.org/primary/There is tonnes to do and a wide range of projects to sign up for too.

Take part in Switch off Fortnight and make a difference!

 

Get involved in this year’s energy-saving campaign and bring STEM focused energy education to life for your students. Sign up for free at https://www.jointhepod.org/campaigns/sof21

Switch Off Fortnight 2022 (14-27 November) is an opportunity for your school* and young people to make small changes in their lives that save energy and help to protect the planet.

*The average energy saving reported by schools taking part in Switch Off Fortnight is 10%.

Switch Off Fortnight is a fun and rewarding campaign that can be led by students or teachers – it’s up to you – and we have everything you need to run a successful campaign.

There are new STEM resources – including infographics, posters, factsheets, a film and assembly – on top of our huge bank of existing curriculum-linked energy lesson plans, activities, assemblies and games ready for download.

For the first time, you can also now not only measure your Switch Off Fortnight energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions with the Pod Energy Saving Dashboard but throughout the school year.

The Primary Switch Off Fortnight campaign pack and the Secondary Switch Off Fortnight campaign pack can be downloaded now for free at https://www.jointhepod.org/campaigns/sof21 !

Switch Off Fortnight 2022 Teemill T-shirt Design Competition

This year Pod are teaming up with the brilliant team at Teemill to give primary and secondary students an opportunity to design the Switch Off Fortnight campaign t-shirt. Winners will receive 10 Teemill t-shirts with their own design and an optional visit to the Teemill factory to meet the team and see how the t-shirts are made.

These are no ordinary t-shirts. All Teemill products are made on demand, using natural materials and renewable energy. When items wear out, you can send them back to Teemill who turn them into new high-quality products. To date, Teemill has diverted 30,000kg of organic cotton from landfill, avoiding 1 million kg of CO2e emissions, and saving 586 million litres of water.

Competition posters and promotional slides in assemblies for students are included in this year’s Switch Off Fortnight digital campaign packs. Terms and conditions apply.

Don’t miss out – sign up today. For T&C go to https://www.jointhepod.org/legal#shirtcomp

 

Pod are teaming up with Wightlink this year.

Wightlink are kindly offering to give ferry crossings to the Isle of Wight, an official UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for the winning students* and a teacher/ parent or carer to visit the Teemill factory to see how their t-shirts (that are good for the planet) are made.

Wightlink cares deeply about their environmental impact; every one of their sailings, every vehicle boarding their ferries and every activity at their ports. Their Green Solent Project is their initiative to protect the sea, land and air of their region