Hello again to our brilliant WCU students! Here are some exciting updates and highlights as we head toward the end of April.

 

Special WCU Highlights & Trips

We’ve had an amazing time this holiday exploring London’s history together. We visited Kensington Palace and explored the incredible Tower of London. From royal stories to ancient towers, these trips brought history to life!

Next up, we’re excited to announce that school groups will soon be visiting Kew Gardens. Get ready to explore nature, science, and the beauty of spring in one of London’s most famous green spaces.

 

Kew Community Week (Coming Soon!)

We are also looking forward to Kew’s Community Week, an exciting upcoming event filled with nature-based activities, community workshops, and opportunities to learn more about plants, sustainability, and the environment. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and the local community.

 

We’re really excited to say that we look forward to our after-school clubs relaunching soon. This includes the Floating Classroom, as well as our Garden Club, Art Projects, and Sports Clubs. We can’t wait to have everyone back learning, creating, and having fun together.

 

Don’t miss our Holiday Camp at Forest School. Children will have the chance to build dens, learn outdoor skills, explore nature, and develop teamwork and confidence. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy the outdoors through hands-on adventure.

 

April is still a perfect time for planting. You can grow vegetables like carrots, radishes, and beetroot, as well as salad leaves and herbs. Flowers such as sunflowers and wildflowers are also great to plant now.

Our local space at Queen’s Park continues to be a great place for planting and community growing projects, helping everyone connect with nature.

 

You can help wildlife right from home in simple ways:

• Plant flowers that attract bees and butterflies
• Put out food and water for birds
• Build a small bug hotel using natural materials
• Grow plants on windowsills or balconies

Even small actions can make a big difference.

 

This month also brings an important opportunity to get involved in the local community through the Queen’s Park Community Council elections. It’s a great way for families and older students to learn about how local decisions are made. We encourage everyone who is eligible to take part and have their voice heard.

 

Late April is full of opportunity. From exploring parks and learning about nature to taking part in community events and preparing for the return of clubs, there is something for everyone.

 

Keep exploring, learning, and sharing your adventures. We love celebrating them with you. Let’s make the most of the season and finish April full of energy and curiosity.

Hello WCU Families!

As we step into March 2026, it’s been wonderful to see our schools buzzing with curiosity, creativity, and connection. February was packed with hands-on learning, shared experiences, and joyful moments that brought children, families, and schools together in true WCU style.

One of the highlights across February and into March has been our STEAM project delivered across WCU schools, where students explored electricity in everyday life and within their own bodies. Children learned about electrical safety, how plugs and circuits work, and how electricity powers the world around us. Alongside this, they discovered how their own bodies run on electricity—learning about neurons, nerves, brain waves, and how messages travel through the body. These sessions blended STEM learning with wellbeing, helping children understand both physical safety and the incredible science behind how we think, feel, and move.

We’ve also been delighted to deepen our collaboration with Cameron and Flora from the Floating Classroom through the Naturehood Watch project. Children at Essendine and Queen’s Park are already signed up for three free citizen science sessions each, exploring local biodiversity, observation skills, and environmental stewardship. These sessions support mindfulness, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility for our shared spaces, and we’re excited that more WCU schools will be joining this project as the year progresses.

Alongside this, we’ve launched an exciting campaign to improve active travel and school accessibility, beginning with plans to install bike racks outside schools, starting at Queen’s Park. Encouraging cycling supports physical health, independence, and sustainability, and we’re inviting classes to get their TfL Travel Stars journeys underway. It’s a great opportunity for children to think about greener travel, road safety, and how small changes can make a big difference to wellbeing and the environment.

Our February half-term Holiday Camp once again showed the power of coming together as a community. Families and students shared food, with a special student–parent disco-style food share, where raw ingredients were brought together, prepared, and enjoyed collectively. Alongside this, children enjoyed trips to the cinema and the zoo, creating memories filled with laughter, connection, and exploration. These shared experiences strengthen family bonds, routines, and a sense of belonging—core to WCU’s wellbeing-focused approach.

We were delighted to welcome back the FACTS Project, and it’s clear just how much children are enjoying being involved. Engagement has been high, with students showing enthusiasm, confidence, and curiosity as they reconnect with learning that is practical, inclusive, and empowering.

Creativity has also been flourishing through our WCU Art initiatives. Our free WCU Art Club has supported students to create 30 canvases, now being displayed across schools. The artwork spans a wonderful range of styles and voices—from bold abstracts and joyful unicorns, to modernist-inspired pieces influenced by Mondrian and Kandinsky, and beautifully detailed Dutch still-life florals. This project celebrates student voice, artistic confidence, and pride, and we’re excited to continue expanding art across our WCU network.

We’re also excited about our growing collaboration with Topsy Turvy at Brent Cross, where we are working together on a number of holiday programmes ,SEND and  STEM-focused projects. These opportunities combine physical activity, creativity, and problem-solving, giving children space to move, experiment, and learn through play. We’re really looking forward to a year of shared learning, physical fun, and imaginative exploration through this partnership.

March also offers a wealth of free opportunities across London for families to explore together, including:

• Museum and gallery drop-in family workshops
• Free science and nature sessions linked to British Science Week
• Library author talks, storytelling, and creative writing clubs
• Community art exhibitions and cultural open days

These opportunities support curiosity, cultural capital, and shared learning beyond the classroom.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to see everyone during upcoming STEM sessions and Science Week celebrations. We want to give a special shout-out to the brilliant coding work led by  Sarvenaz "Sarv" Ranjibar at Hallfield, and Nexaim at Essendine, St Joseph’s, and Queen’s Park. Their sessions have inspired problem-solving, resilience, and digital confidence, showing how coding can be both creative and inclusive.

We’re also exploring ways to further enrich physical education and wellbeing through partnerships, including Premier Education—a specialist provider offering high-quality sports, physical activity, and enrichment programmes in schools. We’re currently looking into how we might support Premier Education in delivering sessions at Queen’s Park School, ensuring opportunities are inclusive, engaging, and aligned with WCU’s holistic approach to wellbeing.

From STEAM learning and citizen science to creative arts, active travel, and shared meals, March reflects what WCU does best: bringing learning, wellbeing, and joy together. We’re excited for a year ahead filled with collaboration, discovery, movement, and connection.

We look forward to seeing you all across schools, clubs, STEM sessions, and Science Week events.

Stay curious, keep creating, and keep exploring

 

February 2026: Westminster Children’s University Update

Hello WCU Families!

I was so pleased and grateful to see our community thrive as we move into February 2026. January marked an incredible start to the year, demonstrating how WCU provides inclusive, wellbeing-focused opportunities for children and families across Westminster.

Our Winter Camp brought together 65 children and 20 parents for trips to Zootropolis, Kew Gardens, Topsy Turvy Theatre, and Kensington Palace. These experiences gave students access to cultural and creative spaces while building confidence, social skills, and a sense of belonging. Paired with inclusive food projects, these activities reinforced emotional regulation, family connection, and positive routines, directly supporting WCU’s wellbeing and SEND-inclusive aims.

On January 29th, Year 5 and 6 students joined their peers from St Augustine’s to see the English National Opera’s HMS Pinafore at the London Coliseum. Experiencing this Olivier-nominated production with Mel Giedroyc’s wit allowed children to engage with live performance and classical theatre, increasing cultural capital and promoting joy, curiosity, and shared learning—key pillars of WCU enrichment.

We are especially proud of QP Year 6, whose three students won the ENO Poster Competition. They received certificates and a talk from Georgia Gould MP. This achievement celebrates creativity, academic engagement, and confidence, demonstrating how WCU initiatives encourage students to take pride in their accomplishments and participate meaningfully in cultural projects.

WCU attended Bett 2026, where we explored new educational resources to strengthen literacy and wellbeing. We are thrilled that Wordsmith will be visiting our schools to support both actual and emotional literacy, ensuring children develop key skills for learning and emotional self-regulation in line with WCU’s developmental priorities. Wordsmith, whose initiative promotes both actual and emotional literacy in schools, equips students with the vocabulary and communication strategies to understand and express emotions effectively, supporting wellbeing, social skills, and learning readiness. In 2026, they will be visiting our WCU schools to embed these approaches, helping children develop confidence in emotional expression, enhance peer relationships, and strengthen engagement with literacy-based learning, fully aligned with WCU’s focus on whole-child development and family-school-community wellbeing.

We were delighted to meet representatives from CH Lin Buddhist Primary School (China) at the KittenBot stand during Bett 2026. They shared innovative STEAM and STEM projects focused on pest management, giving our students insight into creative problem-solving and global approaches to science and technology. We are excited to develop international collaboration with them in 2026, including pen-pal exchanges and shared projects, fostering cross-cultural learning and broadening our students’ horizons in line with WCU’s goals of curiosity, global awareness, and STEM engagement.

The QP Art Club launched a new WCU initiative to display student-led A4 canvases across the school. This whole-school project fosters creativity, leadership, and pride, allowing students to express themselves while promoting a visually inspiring environment. In 2026, we plan to expand this project across the WCU network, reinforcing collaboration between schools and celebrating student voices city-wide.

Adults at QP and Hallfield have completed training in Compassion-Based Therapy, and in 2026 more staff will become accredited in trauma-aware, Thrive-informed, solution-focused therapy approaches. This professional development strengthens relational practice, emotional support, and wellbeing provision for children, aligning with WCU’s goals of sustainable, whole-family wellbeing and inclusion.

We have also received funding for an Electrical Safety and Neuroscience project, building on our MindUp work. This initiative encourages curiosity, STEM engagement, and mental health awareness, reflecting WCU’s commitment to combining enrichment with learning about physical and emotional wellbeing.

Our Naturehood Watch project with the Floating Classroom continues to flourish, with students participating in the Big Garden Birdwatch. Recording birds in gardens, parks, and window ledges fosters mindfulness, environmental stewardship, and citizen science skills. Such activities enhance connection with nature, promote observation and recording skills, and support wellbeing through hands-on, outdoor learning.

Looking ahead to February half-term (Feb 11–21), London is packed with WCU-approved activities. The Southbank Centre Imagine Festival offers relaxed, sensory-friendly, and BSL-interpreted events for children of all ages. From Early Weaves dance theatre and CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree to Mini SPIN, Pop-Up Parkour, and author events with Liz Pichon and Jacqueline Wilson, there is an extraordinary range of opportunities for creative expression, confidence-building, and cultural enrichment.

Term 2 of DreamArts Experiment continues at City of Westminster College. Students aged 6–12 are devising and performing their own musicals, while older students are creating immersive theatre with Les Enfants Terribles along the Paddington Canal. These projects develop collaboration, creativity, communication, and leadership skills while strengthening links between schools, WCU, and the wider community.

From opera to citizen science, STEAM collaboration to creative arts, WCU continues to provide inclusive, engaging, and wellbeing-focused experiences. Each activity reinforces our mission to empower children, strengthen family and school partnerships, and foster lifelong curiosity, resilience, and connection to the world around them.

Stay curious, keep exploring, and we look forward to seeing you at our events and clubs this February!

— The WCU Team 🎓✨

Happy New Year! As we welcome in 2026, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past term and to share our excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Last term was truly remarkable. We were thrilled to see 480 of our children showcase their enthusiasm and creativity at the IntoFilm Festivals. It was heartening to witness their engagement and passion for storytelling through film. Additionally, our Winter Wonderland Visits brought joy to 450 families. Watching the children's faces light up with wonder made the winter merrier for all of us.

 

Our ongoing partnerships continue to enrich our community's learning experiences. Collaborations with esteemed organisations such as the English National Opera, Apple, and Veolia have opened doors to innovative learning opportunities, coupled with practical experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire young minds.

Looking forward, we are excited to introduce our new Seasonal Wildlife Workshops on the Floating Classroom, especially designed for our Early Years. These workshops will offer unique experiences, allowing children to connect with nature and observe wildlife in a hands-on educational setting.

We are excited to share the wonderful outcomes of the Autumn 2025 art project at Hallfield Primary School, led by celebrated local artist Hermione Wood. The project, centred on the theme “At Home,” brought together a group of Year 5 and 6 pupils to explore what home means to them through storytelling, drawing, fabric art and mixed media.

Hermione opened the project by sharing a moving story from Milka, a woman in her 90s, showing the children how ideas of “home” can span generations and experiences. Inspired by this, pupils developed their own interpretations—ranging from high-rise London views to peaceful gardens, fantasy worlds and animal sanctuaries.

Across five creative sessions, students learned new artistic skills including composition, fabric painting, collage, colour mixing and developing a personal artistic style. The children also worked collaboratively, gaining confidence and forming new connections across classes.

Their reflections say it all:

 

“Art takes time.”

 

“At Home means being at peace.”

 

“Painting was calming—I felt creative.”

 

“Teamwork makes the dreamwork!”

 

The final fabric artworks were filled with imagination, detail and thoughtful symbolism. These pieces were also shared with the Compton Art Group, whose members were thrilled—and deeply touched—by the children’s interpretations.

 

This project highlighted how valuable extended, high-quality art time is in primary schools. Many pupils showed significant growth in confidence, creativity and emotional expression, demonstrating the powerful role art can play in wellbeing and learning. Great News for 2026 – Expansion to Three Schools .We are thrilled to announce that, following the success at Hallfield, Hermione Wood will be delivering new multi-week art programmes in:

• St Joseph’s Primary School

• St Mary of the Angels Primary School

• Hallfield Primary School (returning)

Starting January 2026, these programmes will continue to explore themes of belonging, home, identity and creativity—giving even more children access to high-quality arts education across our community.

This expansion marks a fantastic step forward for creative learning in our local schools and reflects our commitment to supporting children’s wellbeing, self-expression and cultural development.

We are starting the year full of arts and culture and are pleased to share that in line with this at WCU, The Fourth Plinth Schools Awards opens for entries in January 2026! It’s a chance for schools across London to get creative and produce a work of art inspired by Trafalgar Square’s famous Fourth Plinth artworks.

The London Resilience Unit and the Mayor’s Fund for London would like to hear from you their Young Londoners, about emergencies and big disruptions such as power cuts, pandemics, protests, transport strikes or extreme weather. Your views will help shape how our city plans for the future. The survey which launched in December, is anonymous, takes 5 to 10 minutes, and you can enter a prize draw for a £50 Amazon voucher: Our City Our Resilience – Young Londoner’s Survey so don’t forget to have your say.

This year we are all about carnivals and parades as part of our cultural goals, we encourage you to be part of London’s much-loved St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square on Sunday, 15 March 2026. We’re inviting community groups, charities, retailers, and food vendors to join a bustling marketplace filled with Irish arts, culture, flavours, and creativity.

In March we will celebrate the launch of Paddington arts Carnival Band for 2026 in preparation for our ongoing carnival plans together and celebrating the work we will begin delivering workshops and opportunities about all things carnival this January.

This year’s St Patrick’s Day parade promises a lively and colourful journey through central London, celebrating the spirit and heritage of the Irish community. Groups of all kinds are welcome to take part whether you’re performing, marching, or showcasing your organisation’s creativity. Join us in bringing energy, music, and pride to the streets as we kick off a day of festivities leading into the Trafalgar Square celebrations

Stay fully present while eating dinner as a family

We are thrilled to announce that NexAim will be returning to Queen's Park Primary and St Joseph's Catholic Primary this January! Our playtime programmes aim to provide children with a delightful mix of fun and learning, right in their school playgrounds.

At Queen’s Park Primary, our activities have always been met with enthusiasm, and we're overjoyed to bring back the joy and energy our sessions inspire. Similarly, at St Joseph's, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers and parents alike have noticed improvements in the children's social skills and teamwork abilities.

NexAim’s programme is dedicated to fostering an environment where children can grow physically and mentally through engaging play. Our activities are designed to promote creativity, cooperation, and confidence among children. With these goals in place, we hope to not only enhance the school experience but also contribute positively to each child's development.

We're eager to see the happy faces of the children as they dive back into our dynamic playtime activities. Our mission of creating impactful and nurturing playground experiences continues, and we can’t wait to make more wonderful memories with everyone involved and hope to develop more activities together in the coming year.

What goals have you set up for yourself for 2026? If you haven’t any yet, don’t worry, how about picking one or two of these? Try doing a random act of kindness every week

Take full deep breaths for a few minutes every day

Notice the joy of the moment with your children

Take up a new hobby or pastime

Look at how you can live more sustainably

Set up a monthly family budget and stick to it

Make time for friends that make you laugh

Practice gratitude every day

Reduce screen time and read more books

Declutter and donate unwanted items to charity

Connect with nature by getting outdoors

Be spontaneous and try something new

Practice self-care and do something just for yourself

Celebrate and feel good about personal successes

Compassion-Based Therapy, delivered by the APT (Association for Psychological Therapies), provides staff with a practical and research-informed framework for understanding emotional regulation, resilience, and the role of compassion in learning environments. By strengthening our collective capacity to respond to stress and challenge with empathy and psychological insight, the training supports both staff wellbeing and the emotional safety of our pupils. This approach aligns with our commitment to creating a school community grounded in kindness, connection, and positive mental health practices.

We are pleased to confirm that we will be funding partners to undertake both Compassion-Based Therapy training with the APT and the MindUP programme in January 2026. This combined professional development package has been chosen to provide a coherent set of skills for supporting emotional literacy, mindfulness, and pro-social behaviour across the school. MindUP’s practical. classroom strategies complement the APT’s therapeutic foundations, ensuring that staff gain both deeper theoretical understanding and everyday tools they can use immediately with students.

Our hope is that starting this training in January will set everyone up for a fantastic school year ahead. By investing in staff wellbeing and equipping our team with compassionate, evidence-based approaches, we aim to create a calmer, more connected, and more emotionally resilient school environment. This initiative reflects our broader vision: to foster a place where both adults and children feel supported, understood, and empowered to thrive academically and personally.

Food, Health, Diet and Art at WCU: Looking Ahead to the New Year

 

As we step into the new year at WCU, our focus on food, health, diet, and creativity continues to grow, with an enriched programme of experiences designed to develop pupils’ wellbeing, curiosity, and cultural understanding. Our December visit to St John’s Mini Farm, where children met the chickens and the famously friendly turkey, offered a wonderfully hands-on learning opportunity. Pupils explored where food comes from, discussed farm-to-table processes, and connected this to healthy eating, ethical food production, and sustainability. Because of the enthusiasm and engagement shown, we are delighted to confirm that we will repeat this visit at Easter, expanding the programme to include observational drawing, food-themed art workshops, and cooking-linked literacy tasks.

 

This academic term also marks WCU’s full participation in the Plates for Change initiative and our Russell Hobbs registration, running from January to 11 March 2026. These programmes encourage pupils and families to reflect on healthy eating habits, food preparation skills, and the social value of cooking and sharing meals. Through practical activities—such as designing kitchen-safe recipes, exploring the science of nutrition, and creating art inspired by everyday food—we aim to strengthen children’s understanding of how a balanced diet contributes to long-term physical and mental wellbeing. These activities align closely with our broader curricular commitment to empowering children to make informed, health-positive choices.

 

Alongside this, pupils will be re-engaging with the outcomes of the Yoplait Bones Vitamin D Campaign (running from November to January), reinforcing key messages about bone health, sunlight, diet, and the role of vitamin-rich foods. This complements our earlier work on the Stalder “Future Self” Letters, where pupils wrote reflective messages imagining their healthier, more confident future identities. The findings from those letters highlight that many WCU pupils see food, movement, creativity, and emotional resilience as strongly interconnected. Bringing these elements together—farm visits, cooking projects, art, nutrition education, and personal reflection—we hope to continue shaping a school culture where children feel inspired, informed, and motivated to take care of their bodies, minds, and communities We are incredibly proud of our QPP’s & WCU’S involvement in the English National Opera (ENO) production of HMS Pinafore. This wonderful opportunity has not only brought the world of opera closer to our community but has also provided an inspiring, cross-curricular experience for QPP Year 6 students.

The WCU Coordinated Clubs at Hallfield continue to expand opportunities for hands-on, future-focused learning, with the Raspberry Pi Club now firmly established as one of the most exciting and innovative strands. By integrating digital creativity, problem-solving, and computational thinking, the club offers pupils the chance to design, build and experiment with real hardware and software tools. The sessions introduce learners to coding fundamentals, robotics, physical computing, and digital art—helping them develop both technical competence and confidence in their ability to shape technology, not just consume it.

 

Through the Raspberry Pi Club, pupils engage in practical challenges such as programming LEDs, designing environmental sensors, controlling motors, and even creating simple games. These activities are intentionally collaborative, allowing pupils to work in pairs or small groups, reflect on their thinking, test solutions, and troubleshoot technical issues. This mirrors real-world STEM practice and supports the development of perseverance, teamwork, and creative thinking. The club also showcases pathways into wider digital literacy, linking to computer science learning in the classroom and encouraging pupils to pursue further STEM opportunities beyond Hallfield.

As part of our engagement with the production, Year 6 were invited to take part in a HMS Pinafore design and show poster competition, giving them creative ownership and a chance to explore visual communication, artistic expression, and the themes of the opera.

The poster competition was met with enthusiasm and imagination from the QPP Year 6 cohort. Pupils were tasked with interpreting the spirit of HMS Pinafore — its characters, nautical themes, and humour — and translating that into eye-catching designs. The work they produced was thoughtful, colourful, and reflective of their own creative voices. This initiative helped deepen their understanding of performance art and allowed students to celebrate and contribute to a major cultural event in a meaningful way.

We are delighted to share that WCU has secured 100 Westminster seats for the 2026 HMS Pinafore performance. Performances were staged through the winter term and will now continue into early February 2026, providing plenty of opportunities for audiences — including school groups and families — to attend during the school year. This generous allocation ensures that our pupils, staff, and families can experience the magic of ENO live on stage together. Attending this performance will enrich our students’ appreciation of the arts, reinforce the value of their creative efforts in the poster competition, and create lasting memories as we celebrate their achievements both in and beyond the classroom

Thank you all for your continued support and involvement. It is with your partnership that we create these enriching experiences that foster lifelong learning and creativity in our children

West London during Christmas is like a scene from a storybook! The streets sparkle with twinkling lights, and there's a cheerful buzz in the air as people hurry about, wrapped in cosy scarves and hats. The lovely window displays in shops seem to dance with excitement as they show off colourful decorations, making even a walk down the street feel magical. Families often visit famous spots like the Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, where they can find unique gifts and delicious treats. It's a time when the community comes together to celebrate and share joy.

 

The history of West London makes Christmas extra special. Did you know that the famous Christmas carol, "Good King Wenceslas," was actually composed by John Mason Neale, who was known for his love of history and music? Places like Kensington and Shepherd's Bush have long been hubs of creativity and culture. In the past, these areas were home to storytellers and musicians who would fill the air with festive songs and tales during the holiday season. These traditions have been passed down through generations, adding a special layer of history to Christmas celebrations today.

 

To make it even more exciting for kids, many local landmarks, like the Natural History Museum, host special Christmas events. Imagine stepping into a world where giant dinosaur skeletons are dressed with festive decorations or seeing a beautiful ice-skating rink that glistens under the museum's grand entrance! It's not just about the visual feast; it's also about creating and sharing memories.

 

With ice skating, twinkling lights, and fascinating stories from the past, West London becomes a winter wonderland filled with adventure and discovery.In October, students and their families from Westminster Children's University embarked on an incredible adventure that included the enchanting Zog Trail at Kew Gardens. This magical experience allowed children to immerse themselves in the story of Zog, the friendly dragon, while exploring the beautiful gardens. As they wandered through the trails, both parents and children were able to bond while solving puzzles and enjoying outdoor activities. The Zog Trail provided a wonderful blend of storytelling and nature, sparking curiosity and creativity among young learners.

 

Little Venice is a charming area in London known for its beautiful canals and colorful narrowboats. It's a place that has inspired many artists through its picturesque scenes, especially during the festive season. Imagine the twinkling lights reflecting on the water and the decorated boats adding to the magical atmosphere. This unique neighborhood captures the essence of a winter wonderland, making it a perfect setting for holiday stories and artistic creations.

 

In our two amazing story clubs, held in the Floating Classroom with Flora, Cameron, Zoe, and Phil, we explored the enchanting tales of Little Venice. These sessions allowed us to see how the serene canals and vibrant community inspire creative storytelling. Just like the diverse artworks of various artists who capture Little Venice's spirit, our story clubs brought out different perspectives, sparking imagination and joy. The festive season adds a special touch to our extended club at qpp which moves on from autumnal chillers such as the Whisperings Woods, The Village of Fenior and The Time Travellers to festive, moral stories like Yaqueen the fox, A Time Together and Turkey Tales as we incorporate themes of togetherness and celebration into our stories.

 

Linking this experience to Christmas, we reflect on how the stories we crafted with the story club members are similar to the holiday season itself—full of warmth, creativity, and wonder. The tales remind us of the joy of sharing and the beauty of coming together, much like families do during Christmas. Much like artists find endless inspiration in Little Venice, we found that our stories illuminated the spirit of Christmas, leaving everyone with cherished memories and inspiring new traditions to celebrate and share.

 

The visit to the Tower of London and Kensington Palace in October’s club offered historical wonders that captured both the children's and parents’ imaginations. At the Tower of London, students marvelled at the ancient architecture while learning about the rich history and fascinating legends associated with the landmark. Meanwhile, Kensington Palace provided a glimpse into royal life, where children discovered the stories of kings and queens in an engaging and interactive way. This immersive experience fostered a deeper appreciation for history and heritage, creating lasting memoiries

 

Watching Sonic 3, Miari, and Link in November is was an amazing experience for the children, full of fun and adventure! These movies offered delightful stories, vibrant animation, and engaging characters that are sure to capture their imaginations. As we look forward to Christmas, some good upcoming movies for primary school students include Wish Dragon, which promises a magical story, and Trolls World Tour, filled with music and colourful fun. During our holiday club, everyone's excitement will build as we go to a special movie screening together, making for memorable and joyful moments just perfect for the season making fun memories for families to enjoy.

 

Looking ahead, there are a variety of exciting opportunities over the holidays to keep the spirit of exploration and learning alive. Families can look forward to exploring innovative activities like the Topsy Turvy event at Brent Cross and revisiting the captivating Kew Gardens. Additional adventures include catching a family-friendly movie at the cinema, rediscovering the charm of the Tower of London, and engaging in creative food drops and planting opportunities. These activities not only offer fun and entertainment but also encourage continuous learning and collaboration among families.

 

Additionally, due to our appreciation for and love of dogs at WCU WE are super excited to share that The Snoopy Sculpture Trail will be a highlight of the festive season in London's Fleet Street Quarter, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Charles M. Schulz’s beloved Peanuts comic strip. The trail will feature twelve unique artist-designed sculptures of Snoopy, each placed in surprise locations across the Quarter. The sculptures will be hidden for visitors to discover, and the trail will coincide with the switch-on of the area's Christmas lights on November 19, 2025. The trail is free to visit and is a collaboration between Fleet Street Quarter BID, Wild in Art, and Peanuts Worldwide.

 

1. Christmas Lights Walk: Take a stroll through the city to see the magical Christmas lights. Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden are beautifully illuminated during the festive season.

Best bus route for xmas lights for free ,£1.70  as apposed top £23.00>Option 1: Bus-based route (highly recommended for a direct experience)

Step 1: Find the number 94 bus stop on or near Oxford Street.

Step 2: Take the bus along Oxford Street to see the canopy of lights, getting off near Oxford Circus.

Step 3: Stay on the bus as it heads down Regent Street to see the "Spirits of Christmas" angel lights.

Step 4: Get off the bus near Piccadilly Circus and walk through the illuminated area.

Step 5: Continue walking to Carnaby Street for its unique displays.

Option 2: Walking route (longer but comprehensive)

Step 1: Walk or take the tube to Knightsbridge/Mayfair to begin near Harrods.

Step 2: Walk from Mayfair to Bond Street and then Oxford Street.

Step 3: Follow Oxford Street towards Oxford Circus and then continue onto Regent Street.

Step 4: Turn off Regent Street towards Carnaby Street.

Step 5: From Carnaby Street, head towards Piccadilly Circus.

Step 6: Finish your walk in Covent Garden for its festive displays.

Tips for your trip

Be prepared for crowds, especially on the popular streets like Oxford Street and Regent Street.

Consider going later in the evening to avoid the largest crowds, but be aware that some lights on Oxford Street turn off at 11 p.m..

 

1. Start at Queen's Park Station.

2. Take the London Underground Bakerloo Line from Queen's Park Station to Oxford Circus Station. This is usually a quicker option with fewer changes needed compared to buses.

 

2. Window Displays: Visit famous department stores like Harrods and Selfridges to see their creative and themed Christmas window displays The bus route is ideal if you want a less strenuous way to see multiple displays in a shorter time.

Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk the entire route.

To travel from Queen's Park to Oxford Street in London by bus, one good option is:

 

1. Walk to the nearest bus stop from Queen's Park.

2. Take a local bus, such as the 23, 6 or 36, towards Central London. You could also take the 36 to Marble Arch or 18 to Edgware Road and walk the xmas light route if you’re feeling adventurous

3. Then, find a connecting bus or walk a short distance to your destination on Oxford Street.

Buses might require some changes and walking, depending on the exact stops and time of day. It could be handy to check an app or a transport website for London to get the most up-to-date routes and schedules for the time you are travelling.

 

 

 In November we all visited Winter Wonderland ,thanks to Winter Wishes ,you could always revisit Winter Wonderland's Christmas Markets: While entry to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park itself requires tickets, wandering around the Christmas markets and enjoying the festive atmosphere is free.

 

There are many local Xmas trees in Paddington Rec, Maida Hill market and St John the Evangelist to visit for free but if you are willing to travel further afield Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree: Admire the huge Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, a gift from Norway each year. You can also enjoy listening to carol singers in the evenings.

 

1. Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree- This iconic tree is a gift from Norway and is placed in Trafalgar Square every year. It's a beautiful tradition that started in 1947, symbolizing gratitude and friendship.

 

2. Covent Garden Christmas Tree- Located in the historic Covent Garden Piazza, this tree is known for its dazzling decorations and is often part of a larger festive display that includes lights and performances.

 

3. Kew Gardens Christmas Tree - At Kew Gardens, the Christmas tree is part of an enchanting winter trail that features beautiful light displays throughout the botanical gardens.

 

4. Natural History Museum Christmas Tree- Outside the museum in South Kensington, a lovely tree and an ice skating rink offer a delightful holiday experience, especially for families.

 

5. Claridge's Hotel Christmas Tree - This elegant tree is located in the lobby of Claridge's Hotel in Mayfair. Each year, a famous designer is invited to create a special and unique Christmas tree display, making it quite the attraction.

These trees contribute to the festive cheer and are perfect spots for enjoying the holiday atmosphere in London.

 

6. Southbank Centre Winter Market: Roam through this festive market along the Thames. It’s filled with charming stalls, and the atmosphere is cosy and festive.

7. Merry Christmas at the Museum of London: Although it’s free all year round, during the Christmas period the museum often hosts special festive exhibits and activities for families.

 

Last Year John and Rachel at kitchen social sponsored us to visit Somerset house to go ice skating it was amazing and is back this year Skating at Somerset House is a magical experience, especially because of its beautiful surroundings and lively atmosphere. Set in the historic courtyard of this iconic London building, the skating rink is a winter wonderland.

 

Visitors can glide across the ice, taking in the scenic beauty of Somerset House, which is adorned with festive lights and decorations. The rink often hosts special events and themed sessions, making it a fun destination for families, friends, and couples.

Instructions for Skating:

1. Booking: To ensure a spot, book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak times like weekends and holidays.

2. Arrival: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled session to allow time for ticket collection and skate fitting.

3. Skate Hire: Skates are available to hire on-site. Make sure to wear comfortable socks for a better fit.

4. Safety: Wear gloves and sturdy clothing to stay warm and safe. A helmet is optional but recommended for little skaters.

5. On the Ice: Follow the direction of skating and be mindful of other skaters. If you need help, staff members are there to assist.

Estimated Costs for 2025:

- Adult Ticket: Around £17

- Child Ticket: Approximately £12

- Family Package: Discounts are often available.

- Skate Hire: Typically included in the ticket price.

These activities offer a wonderful way to enjoy the seasonal cheer in and out of school

 

If you prefer staying home how about some fun food crafts to celebrate the holiday .Cold cooking is one of our favourite Kid-Friendly seasonal Crafts

You could try:

Marshmallow Snowmen: These are easy to make by skewering three large marshmallows together and dipping them in white chocolate. Kids can use mini M&M's for eyes and buttons, slivers of liquorice or fruit leather for mouths and scarves, and small orange candy pieces for noses.

Candy Cane Sleighs: For a simple craft, use icing to attach a Rice Krispie Square bar to two candy canes acting as runners. These can be tied with a ribbon and hung on the tree.

Rudolph Pudding Cupcakes: A quick idea for a party, these use mini chocolate buttons for antlers candy for the googly eyes, and a red cherry for the nose all placed with icing on a simple cupcake or cake bar.

Mint Oreo Penguins: These cute treats are made by attaching a white chocolate button to a mint-flavoured Oreo with icing, and then adding candy eyes and a mini chocolate bean beak.

Or you could try some food themed decorations

 

Festive Decorations

Gingerbread Creations: You can make gingerbread houses, a gingerbread street village, or even an edible star wreath. The dough is shaped using cookie cutters, baked, and then decorated and assembled using royal icing, a process that can involve various colorful sweets and icings.

Rosemary Christmas Tree Centerpiece: This aromatic and elegant centerpiece uses sprigs of rosemary as the "foliage" and a carrot or floral foam as a base. It is then decorated with marzipan fruits, frosted jellies, or other soft candies attached with toothpicks.

 

Popcorn Ball Ornaments: These are made by coating popcorn in a warm honey mixture and shaping them into balls, which can then be tied with a string to hang on the tree. Reviewers note that the honey mixture is very hot and recommend using a spatula and buttering hands when the mixture has cooled enough to form the balls.

Candy Ornaments: Hard candies, like Jolly Ranchers, can be melted in cookie cutters on a baking sheet to create vibrant, translucent hanging ornaments. Once cool, a hole is made with a toothpick to string a ribbon through.

 

In keeping with our love of all things forest at WCU, include crafts and recycling by carrying on with one of our art club themes and create some goblin core vibes this holidays ? A goblin-core Christmas incorporates natural, earthy elements, unique ornaments like mushrooms and frogs, and a focus on handmade or thrifted items rather than traditional, polished decor.

 

Decorations and Aesthetics

Natural Elements: Gather moss, pine cones, acorns, and dried leaves and flowers to use in garlands, wreaths, or table displays.

 

Mushroom Motifs: Incorporate mushroom ornaments, whether glass, felt, or polymer clay, into your tree and other decorations.

 

Earthy Colour Palette: Stick to a colour scheme of mossy greens, earthy browns, rusty reds, and neutrals.

 

Whimsical Creatures: Add ornaments and figures featuring goblincore motifs such as frogs, toads, snails, moths, owls, or even opossums.

 

"Shinies": Goblins love shiny things. Mix in small, shiny objects, tinsel, unique jewellery, or crystals among the natural decor elements for a bit of sparkle.

 

Lighting: Use warm fairy lights or candles to create a cosy, moody, and slightly dark ambiance.

 

Thrifted and Handmade: Prioritize handmade, second-hand, or thrifted decorations to capture the aesthetic’s emphasis on imperfection and found objects.

 

Botanical Prints: Adorn walls with botanical art prints featuring mushrooms, ferns, and insects.

 

Gift Ideas

Nature-Inspired Jewellery: Look for items like a Goblincore Necklace with moss, unakite beads, an insect wing, and bronze leaf charms, or golden maple leaf earrings.

 

Themed Apparel: Consider clothing items such as the "I Require Snacks" embroidered raccoon tee, a mushroom print hoodie, or a "Reject Society Become A Goblin" t-shirt.

 

Books and Journals: A "Goblincore Colouring Book" or a custom notebook/journal with a foraging or nature theme would make a fitting gift.

 

Crafty Kits: A bark backpack crochet pattern or a mushroom grow set could inspire a hands-on hobby related to the aesthetic.

 

Curiosities: Mystery boxes filled with oddities, bones, and curiosities or small decorative items like a miniature crystal mushroom dome or a "Happy Little Green Goblin in a Jar" are great choices.

 

Mugs and Drinkware: Themed mugs featuring frogs, mushrooms, or "goblincore" sayings are practical and on-theme

 

In Art club we made wreaths of leaves,mobiles and creatures.Our Animal club made crystal art bird portraits and wind chimes on this theme too to give as gifts and these are great projects for cold days staying cosy at home and getting creative