It’s May at WCU

We have been really busy here at WCU looking forward to the summer and getting ready to celebrate. Throughout April to May we have been drumming, creating and getting out and about across our network. May will see more schools getting on-board with the workshops and more author visits, one all about Zombies! We also have lots of d=important may dates for you to remember. As well as some great online safety resources to share.

Supported by Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow initiative, the skills tool –In the link below-is designed to encourage learning through questions and conversations. It allows young people to discover their understanding of online topics and encourages them to discuss these through a series of conversation starter questions. It can be used by young people on their own, with peers or together with teachers, parents and carers to encourage discussion and further learning

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/theonlinetogetherproject/

Early use of digital technology has been shown to improve language skills and promote children’s social development and creativity. However, it’s not without risks for young children. Unfortunately, you may come across inappropriate content, share personal information or begin to copy what older children do online, which might put you at risk. The Quiz in the Link below help you to understand what Fake news might be and aims to give the best experience of going online by doing so. https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/fake-news-and-misinformation-advice-hub/find-the-fake/choose-quiz/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caX_wpyGnwQ

 April was National Pet Month, National Pet Month is from the 1st of April to the 1st of May. However, animal and pet care is something really important to consider all year round!

At St Augustine’s our friend author Renata, has been sharing doggy stories and running workshops and competitions all with a delightfully doggy theme, if you would like to meet her too please get in touch so that we can introduce her. Renata’s stories about heroic Hector are our favourite stories and workshops so, don’t miss your chance for your class to be involved.

National Pet Month aims to promote responsible pet ownership and make people aware of the benefits of pets for people, and people for pets! It also raises awareness of the role, value, and contribution to society of working companion animals.  This month helps people learn about how to look after pets properly, and there are special events that take place all over the country.

We love Dogs at WCU and have helped 3 schools have Dogs Full time at their venue. Lurky and Gizmo are our WCU dogs at QPPS.

Why do we love our dogs so much and why do people have pets?

1. Pets are good company, and stroking pets can help people feel calm and relaxed.
2. Animals such as dogs need lots of walks, so having a pet can keep its owner fit and healthy.

Did you know...?

1. More than half of the adults in the UK own a pet.
2. There is an estimated population of 10.9 million pet cats.
3. 24% of the UK population have a dog.

There are many ways you can celebrate National Pet Month and support our furry friends like Hector all year round.

1. Donate to or volunteer at an animal shelter.
2. Pamper and spoil your pet.
3. Fundraise for an animal charity.
4. Have a professional photo taken with your pet.
5. Research! Find out as much as you can about animal care.
6. Animal charities*
7. During National Pet Month, you can learn about charities that look after animals.

*The PDSA have animal hospitals.

*The RSPCA rescues animals who aren’t being looked after properly.

*The Blue Cross looks after pets who don’t have a home. They help these pets find new families!

Our WCU Dogs are a great way to relax and help reduce stress for adults and students in school. Stress Awareness Month 2024 has been taking place throughout April too. As an annual event that’s been observed since 1992, it serves as a gateway to open up conversations about stress, signpost people to the right support and help us prioritise our mental health.

Stress Awareness Month 2024 was a perfect time to highlight the symptoms that stress can present, both physically and mentally, and its triggers. The causes of stress can range from person-to-person, but everything from exams to financial difficulties and emotional pressures can all contribute to stress.

Stress can present itself in many different ways. Physically, people may experience headaches, chest pains, difficulty sleeping, a racing heartbeat and stomach and digestive problems. Mentally, people may feel tearful, anxious, forgetful, worried and have trouble concentrating. People can also experience changes in behaviour, such as being irritable, avoiding social situations, places and people, and eating more or less than they did in the past.

By coming together and highlighting how stress can have an impact on our wellbeing, we’ll be more equipped to support others as well as ourselves, and learn how to prioritise our own mental health. Read on to find out how to get involved and resources to support you and your children when managing stress.

Breaking the taboo about mental health by speaking about it at your school or workplace is really important all year round too. You might decide to present student assemblies about this topic, or discuss it in your morning class sharing/circle meetings. Creating peer support groups with the help of your teachers together to continue the dialogue of mental health, and support your class colleagues in a safe and welcoming space is another great idea.

If you are feeling stressed, talk to a trusted adult who can supporting in planning what to do when stress strikes. Mind Up and headspace have some super tools online for you to explore with your parents at home to find these for your parents, use the links below.

https://home.mindup.org/

www.headspace.com

Another great thing to do with a dog is to go for a nice, long walk. This is particularly relevant because in May each year, schools all around the world take part in National Walk to School Month to help promote walking as a form of exercise that is good for your health.

The month-long event is organised by the British Heart Foundation, which aims to encourage fun events and activities in school to raise awareness and donations for the charity.

How to Take Part in National Walking Month

1. Walk to School - National Walking Month is a great way to leave your car at home, get outside and get fit by walking to and from school. If school or work is too far, try walking part of the way instead. 
2. Take the Stairs - Instead of taking the lift or elevator, take the stairs. 
3. Go Exploring - Explore your local area, or enjoy a day out in the countryside, beach or park. Hiking is a great way to explore while getting plenty of exercises. 

 

1. Take a Lunchtime Stroll - Take a little stroll around the school playground after lunch. This can help you be more productive for the rest of the day. 
2. Walk Your Pet - If you don’t have a pet, walk with someone who has one or ask if you can walk their pet for them.
3. Ask for sponsorship to do a long walk with your family or friends - You can sign up using the British Heart Foundation’s website, and they will provide you with a sponsorship form. You can cater your walk to who is taking part so it is difficult but achievable.

Benefits of Walking

1. Walking is an excellent exercise and walking regularly can keep us fit and healthy. 
2. It is also good for the environment. It is the most environmentally friendly way to travel.
3. Walking can also make you feel more positive and ready to start the day.
4. Using the Just Walk sponsorship system from the British Heart Foundation you can raise lots of money for a good cause.
5. You could use the month’s activities as part of your TFL Travel Stars registration for your school.

If you do go on longer walks you are sure to see lots of diverse British Wildlife and if you are on later walks you may see foxes and even rarer creatures like bats and hedgehogs. May is Hedgehog Awareness Week.

 What is Hedgehog Awareness Week?

Hedgehog Awareness Week is an event that takes place every year. It aims to raise awareness of hedgehogs and their declining population in the United Kingdom. It was launched by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) to highlight the threats facing hedgehogs and to promote efforts to protect and conserve the species. Through campaigns and educational projects, the BHPS raises awareness for how we can help these much-loved creatures. They fund research that provides important new insights into the welfare of hedgehogs.

Hedgehog Awareness Week typically takes place in May each year and involves a range of activities and initiatives aimed at educating the public about the importance of hedgehogs and the threats they face being the reason they are such a rare sight. These may include events such as talks, walks, and workshops, as well as online campaigns and social media initiatives so look out for what might be on offer throughout May.

When is National Numeracy Day?

National Numeracy Day will be celebrated in May too for those of you with a preference for numbers, on Wednesday 22nd May 2024. It will take place over the whole day so that celebrations can be held around the world during school times. It reoccurs on the third Wednesday in May each year. National Numeracy Day UK tries to highlight how much numbers are used in our lives, every day. This can range from the sports that people watch, the books that people read and in the shops when using money. Not everyone’s great with numbers or interested in numeracy, but that doesn’t have to stop you from getting involved on Wednesday 17th May 2024.

What is National Numeracy Day?

National Numeracy Day has been celebrated in the United Kingdom every year since it was founded in 2018 by National Numeracy. It’s a specific day to focus on what this charity works on all year round - recognising the large part that numbers play in our lives. People are encouraged to try and build confidence in their numeracy skills, even if they’re not maths-orientated people. This day is celebrated to try and show that you don’t have to be super smart to love numeracy, everyone can learn how to be better with numbers.

What’s the history of Numeracy Day?

National Numeracy Day was founded by the independent charity National Numeracy. The charity was founded in 2012 to try and help improve low levels of numeracy in people of all ages. As part of their campaigns to get more and more people confident with numbers, National Numeracy Day was first celebrated in 2018, on the 16th of May. There were 25,000 people that took part in the celebrations. This included adults and children who all wanted to improve their numeracy skills.

Supporters, educators, individuals and employers are all encouraged to take part in National Numeracy Day UK. There are lots of National Numeracy Day activities that you can do. Plus, it’s not just about improving your own numeracy skills, it’s about helping other people improve theirs too. National Numeracy Day was made to try and make people of all ages explore and be more curious about numbers.

How is National Numeracy Day UK celebrated?

There are lots of things you can do to celebrate on the Wednesday 17th May 2024. No matter what your current level or numeracy is, one of the best ways to celebrate is trying to improve. Motivating yourself to learn something new about numeracy is a lovely way to celebrate. The Bitesize game is a great KS2 maths resource and lots of fun too it is also a great way to revise for upcoming numeracy tests.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zd2f7nb/articles/zn2y7nb

 

May is a really important month for all of us at Primary school and is a great chance to show what we have learned. SATs Week for Key Stage 2 Students takes place in May across the country for all primary students from May 13, 2024 - May 16, 2024. For Key Stage 1, the SATs will take place during the test period within May 2024. They are slightly more relaxed than those at KS2; rather than having specific dates, they’ll take place across a two-week period in May.

What are the SATs exams and why take them?

Usually, SATs, also known as Standard Assessment Tests, are exams designed to measure academic progress through primary school.

Student’s results are compared to average expectations for their age group, and they’re awarded a mark which reflects their level of attainment. The SATs are also used to measure the school's overall performance, rather than just the individual child's.

 

SATs might not be the most fun part of school, but they’re a really important part of education. These tests allow class teachers to better understand the abilities and needs of each student and support them more fully in the future.

We wish you all the best of luck in your tests and know you will all shine in your own individual ways, be brave and confident and remember ,SATS is just a way to better plan your future learning and because of this there is no ideal score or pass mark, so don’t worry and just do your best!

Welcome 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.

When 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.

It 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.

1. Choose poems
2. Find a poem to learn from any of our timeline and showcase collections
3. Learn poems by heart
4. With tips on how to memorise poems and how to polish them for performance
5. Perform poems out loud
6. Share your poems aloud in a class, club or event of any shape or size, at school or college
7. Enter the national competition
8. Do it your way - either the 1- poem Freestyle celebration or the 2-poem Classic championship
9. 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:

1. Design an artwork inspired by the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square
2. Scan or take a photo of your artwork and submit it to the online gallery
3. That’s it!
4. 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!   

https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean/pledge-to-pick/school

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!

https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean/pledge-to-pick/school

We 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 10^TH 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 18^th 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:

1. Celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world
2. Increase public dialogue about the need for engineers
3. Bring engineering to life for kids, educators, and parents
4. 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 13^th 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!

January 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 9.30-6pm

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. 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.

Well 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 15^th December

We are looking forward to our bus tour on the 15^th 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

12/13^TH 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!