We had a super break at Topsy Turvy and the Tower of London, where we came together during the spooky season. I hope you all had a great break, too. November is a hectic and exciting time for us and we are looking forward to seeing you all at Winter Wishes, Future Makers and the Cinema Screenings.

We think Future Makers is great because we get to see talented musicians aged 14-19 from across the UK audition to be the next Future Makers champion. The chosen acts will perform original music from a wide mix of genres in front of a panel of industry experts and an energetic Key Stage 2 and 3 audience. The performers are in for the chance of winning a year of tailored music industry support as they get their careers off the ground. Hosted by Jess Gillam and Lion Heart, plus a special performance from last year’s winner Amity Miller. This high-energy show will get you and your classes cheering as they experience the thrill of live music at the Royal Albert Hall.

 We also had Dwali and we hope you got to see some of the vibrant and joyful visual celebrations while you have been out and about in London. The Children's Zone during the festivities in Trafalgar Square was an exciting way for everyone to celebrate and be involved in family-friendly interactive activities.

Typical activities offered included Craft Stations where kids can engage in Diwali-themed arts and crafts, such as making rangoli patterns, decorating diyas (lamps), or creating traditional Indian jewellery or Face Painting using Traditional Indian symbols like Indian Gods, peacocks, or vibrant Diwali designs. There were storytelling sessions and narration of Diwali stories like the Ramayana or Mahabharat, which were shared in an engaging, interactive manner suited for children. There was a spiritual and educational element to the fun too in About Glimpse of Goddesses an interactive display of Hindu Goddesses visitors took the opportunity to capture a vision and explanation of the goddesses and obtain tips on how to invoke divine powers and virtues in a fun and interactive way.

They answered questions such as Are Goddesses filled with divine powers? What do they mean? And how can I create peace and happiness in my life and make others content? Visitors explored the tableaux and the stall to go through methods to invoke the Shakti (power) within themselves, by looking at their qualities and virtues, and how they can use them in everyday life.

Activities included:

The Wisdom – to understand the 8 powers within us and how to give them life and use them.

The Glimpse - to experience the divinity, vibrations and the power of meditation of the two live goddesses.

The Shakti Wheel – to spin the wheel to land on one of the goddesses/shaktis and receive the gift of a shakti card with explanation on their virtues and powers.

We now look forward to fireworks night and hope you all have a safe and joyful time enjoying the local and national displays together. Bonfire Night is also known as ‘Fireworks Night’ or ‘Guy Fawkes Night’. It is a British tradition dating back to the plot of 1605, when the Catholic conspirator Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King James I. Until now, it is customary for the cellars in the Houses of Parliament to be searched by the Yeoman before each state opening of the Parliament. The anniversary of Fawkes arrest on November 5th (sometimes known as Guy Fawkes Day) is celebrated every year with bonfires and fireworks in London.

The firework code

• Watching fireworks is popular and fun. But fireworks are explosives and potentially dangerous, so they need careful handling and storage.

• Only buy fireworks that are CE marked.

• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.

• Keep fireworks in a closed box.

• Follow the instructions on each firework.

• Light them at arm’s length, using a taper.

• Stand well back.

• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode.

• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.

• Always supervise children around fireworks.

• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.

• Never give sparklers to a child under five.

• Keep pets indoors.

• Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm.

There are also other exciting and free opportunities to get involved in this November

Remember, remember the 5th(ish) of November. Check out London’s best fireworks displays for locally there are fireworks at Queens park gardens with events happening all over London free.

Day of the Dead, AKA Dia de los Muertos, returns to Camden Market on the 2nd. Expect live music from mariachi and tropical Latin bands, along with folk and Aztec dancing, and a lively parade. There will also be face painting, sugar skulls and flower making. Free.

Whitechapel Gallery is hosting a mass Play-In with Tarot for Creativity on the 2nd. Draw a card from the deck and get creative in the gallery, or join artist Amy Leung to make collaborative sculptural forms inspired by the works of Lygia Clark and Sonia Boyce. Free.

Head to V&A this month for the following. 2nd: BOOST: Family Festival (all ages). 6th: Design Baby: Play Build Play (0-3s). 9th: Drop-In Diwali: Family Day (all ages). 9th & 23rd: Make it: Fashion (5-10s). 30th: Sensory Friendly: Design and Draw with Light (SEN).Free.

Head to Canary Wharf from the 2nd-22nd for Nature Rising, a larger-than-life installation celebrating the opening of Eden Dock. Consisting of 21 figures emerging from the greenery, the trail will lead from Jubilee Park’s lush greenery to Eden Dock’s floating gardens. Free.

Happy Birthday Elmer! is at the Southbank Centre on the 3rd. Dress up in colourful outfits and enjoy drop-in craft activities, party games and a live DJ. Then, on the 15th, shake, stomp and sing in an interactive musical workshop with the Tots Tunes Family Band. Free/paid.

The Francis Crick Institute is launching its Tots Too campaign from the 6th. Pick up a kids’ trail inside the Hello Brain exhibition and discover games, playmats and a ‘make a plasticine brain’ activity before enjoying a kids’ meal deal in the cafe. Free.

British Museum is hosting two Little Feet sessions for under-5s this month. Go on an Ancient Assyrian Adventure and make your own horse on the 7th, then discover the Silk Roads exhibition for free in a special Exhibition Explorer drop-in on the 21st. Free.

Uniqlo Tate Play Make Studio: The Joy of Feeling begins on the 9th and runs on Wednesdays and weekends. Create a sensory sculpture using a range of tactile materials. Take inspiration from art in Tate’s collection or let your imagination run wild. Free.

Head to RIBA on the 9th for Family Fun Day: We Built This City and design and build fantastic structures inspired by the Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds exhibition. Or, grab your 0-3 and enjoy a morning of play at RIBA Baby: Bricks and Bubbles on the 15th. Free.

William Morris Gallery is running Family Day: The Magic of Storytelling on the 16th. Join Palestinian play specialist Elias Matar on a colourful journey across borders, countries, and time, encountering mythical creatures and fairy tale characters along the way. Free.

Don’t forget about our amazing parks and trails which are beautiful to experience as the seasons change. On the 26th of November 2024 in Richmond Park from 10am - 12 pm, you can register to learn about Macro Photography for free. Exploring hidden worlds and unseen beauty to discover the hidden worlds and unseen beauty captured by macrophotography. You will get a chance to learn tips and tricks from professional macro photographer Max Mudie, before heading out into the park with our own Help Nature Thrive team to see what images of nature we can capture using our mobile phones and macro lenses. This 1.5-2 hr session is aimed at adults so why not go along with an interested parent and collaborate on learning a new skill. It will involve an indoor ‘introduction to macro photography on mobile phones’ by Max Mudie, followed by an outdoor flora and fauna walk in the park with Help Nature Thrive.

Or how about some citizen Science? You can sign up on three days to explore fascinating fungi on an expert-led park stroll.You will Join Richmond Park’s resident fun-gal Gemma from the Help Nature Thrive team as we take a walk through the wilder habitats of our parks to identify and record fungi, to learn about their importance within a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.On this 1.5 hour beginner walk we will discuss citizen science recording, fungi identification, woodland ecology and climate resilience.This introductory session is aimed at adults with an interest in learning more about the natural world so get your parents involved.

Register Now if you are interested in joining with an adult on the following days:

6 November 2024            Richmond Park  10.30am -12.30pm        

10 November 2024          The Regent's Park  1.30 - 3.30pm              

19 November 2024          Richmond Park 10.30am - 12.30pm         

A colony of penguins arriving in London sounds a lot more threatening than what is actually an adorable trail of beautiful sculptures getting the city in the spirit over the festive season. While we may not be able to change the fact that their collective noun has a scary aura, we can point you towards the group of penguins scattered around the Fleet Street Quarter come this November, which are bound to fit the chilly settings and add to the Christmassy splendour across the city.

It’s both adding a splash of colour and helping support Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Wild In Art, meaning it has double ticks for reasons to check it out next month. And who wouldn’t want a picture with one of these? It’s a penguin in a Christmas jumper!

Credit: Daniel Graves Photography

The Fleet Street Quarter Penguins

Arriving on November 14, a dozen of the cute and colourful sculptures will arrive in the Fleet Street Quarter, and bring with them facts about all things penguin. You can scan their QR code and unlock the tales of them and the Quarter as narrated by Olaf Falafel as you waddle between Chancery Lane, New Street Square, Fleet Street, and beyond to see the freezy art trail. Did you know penguins can swim at speeds up to 22mph (faster than most Olympic swimmers and more)? We might have just given away one of their marine bird facts, but there’s plenty more to discover across the trail.

 

When you scan the codes, you can also support the vital WWF conservation efforts, with donations helping to ensure that penguins can remain in their habitats safely and survive for future generations. The adorable trail will remain in place for eight weeks, and the sculptures – each made from recycled material – will have plaques detailing the inspiration of the artists who created them.

Speaking on the penguin trail, Louise Oakley, Director of Community Fundraising at WWF-UK, said, “We are excited to collaborate with the Fleet Street Quarter on this wonderful penguin sculpture trail. Unfortunately, climate change is a growing worry for Antarctic Penguins.

 

“This trail is a fantastic way to engage the public in conservation of this iconic species and highlights the urgent need to protect their habitat. We hope it inspires many to support our efforts to help these amazing species to thrive for generations to come.”

The free trail of 12 penguin sculptures lands at Fleet Street Quarter on November 14, 2024, and will remain in place for eight weeks.

 

Whether you believe it’s simply too early, or you wish they’d turned up even earlier, the Christmas lights will start lighting up London this November in preparation for the coming festivities. This is another free opportunity to go out and celebrate the seasons in our special capital. Here are some switch-on dates to pop into your diary so you don’t miss any of the festive displays coming to life.

🌟 Oxford Street – November 5

 

✨ Regent Street – November 7

 

🌟 Covent Garden – November 12

 

✨ Soho Kids Christmas Lights – November 12

 

🌟 Old Spitalfields Market – November 13

 

✨ Marylebone Village Christmas Lights – November 13

Happy October everyone! This month is a significant time of year for us all, especially for children. As the autumn season kicks into full gear, October brings along many new events and activities that cater to the interests and needs of young individuals. From Halloween festivities to educational programs, there is no shortage of opportunities for children to engage and learn during this time of year. In this essay, we will delve into why October is important in the UK for children and explore some of the events happening near you.

October is an autumnal season and the perfect time to get out and about and enjoy the changing colours of the seasons, online social media will be full of content looking forward to cozy days in and wild, autumnal walks, and house and room makeovers so now is the time to get your “fall pov” in action. How about celebrating the colourful season of autumn by doing some colour studies or collages we would love to see them.

One of the primary reasons why October is known as a festive season for children in the UK is the celebration of Halloween and Diwali. Halloween is a traditional festival, originating from Celtic harvest festivals, has become a staple in British culture, especially among youngsters. Children eagerly anticipate dressing up in costumes, going trick-or-treating, and attending Halloween parties. This event not only provides entertainment and excitement but also allows children to exercise their creativity and social skills. Schools often organize Halloween-themed events such as costume contests, pumpkin carving competitions, and spooky movie nights to engage students and foster a sense of community. If you do not celebrate Halloween you will no doubt be taking part in Book Week dress up giving you a chance to get creative and express yourself in October.

Diwali will see some great, free opportunities in central London for families to enjoy. There will be another year of vibrant Diwali celebrations returning to Trafalgar Square at the end of October, featuring the likes of music, dance, workshops, and more.

 

Each year the date for Diwali changes, but it usually falls late October or early November. This year, 2024, the main day is the 1st of November, although it’s a 4-6 day celebration that begins on the 29th of October to the 3rd of November. The free Diwali on the Square festival, organized by the Mayor of London, and featuring people from across London's Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities, kicksResources to Learn About Diwali

If you would like to know more about this beautiful celebration of light, here are some links to great Diwali videos and resources that you might find helpful when exploring Diwali.

What is Diwali? – https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/15451833

Printables and Puzzles – https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/diwali

National Geographic Kids – https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/general-geography/facts-about-diwali/

Diwali Videos – https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/lets-celebrate-diwali

Diwali Celebration Video (below) off at lunchtime on Sunday 27 October.

Moreover, October marks Black History Month in the UK, an annual observance that highlights the history, achievements, and contributions of black individuals and communities. This month-long celebration aims to educate, empower, and raise awareness about the experiences of black people in Britain. High Schools nationwide take this opportunity to organize educational workshops, talks, and cultural events that explore black history and its significance in contemporary society. Students are encouraged to reflect on issues of racial equality, diversity, and social justice, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding among the school community. We are holding steel pan lessons and offer VR experiences in schools to mark this important event.

In addition to cultural and traditional festivities, October also plays a crucial role in the academic calendar of High Schools in the UK. This month typically marks the midpoint of the first term, signalling a time for reflection, assessment, and goal-setting. Students are encouraged to review their progress, set academic targets, and seek support from teachers and counsellors if needed. Schools will host parent-teacher conferences, academic workshops, and study skills sessions to empower students to take ownership of their learning and strive for success students will have had their first month in years 6 and 7 so it’s a really exciting time to reflect, and celebrate success.

October is a perfect time for students to engage in extracurricular activities and sports competitions. Many schools offer a wide range of clubs, societies, and teams that cater to diverse interests and talents that can all count towards your WCU hours and we have launched 5 WCU clubs that are free from 4-6 for you to join if you are looking for an addition offer. Whether it be drama rehearsals, music rehearsals, sports fixtures, or debating competitions, we want you all to have the opportunity to participate in activities that align with your passions and aspirations. October serves as a busy and exciting month for you to showcase your skills, collaborate with peers, and build confidence in your abilities as you settle into the new academic year.

One notable event that takes also place in October at School level is the Harvest Festival. This traditional celebration, rooted in religious and agricultural customs, brings together students, staff, and families to give thanks for the harvest and support those in need. High Schools often organize food drives, fundraising events, and community service projects to promote philanthropy and social responsibility among students. The Harvest Festival serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity, compassion, and unity, fostering a spirit of giving back to the community. St John’s will be holding celebrations throughout the month and at WCU we will be holding community food drives, community clean up with QPCC and Holiday food provision too. If you have an idea for a school food project let us know we would love to help you make it happen.

Moreover, October is also a time for students to engage in mental health and well-being initiatives. With the pressures of academic studies, extracurricular commitments, and social relationships, students may experience stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. WCU and your Schools prioritize the well-being of students by offering counselling services, mindfulness workshops, and resilience training programs. October serves as a time to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote self-care practices among students. We are running a community drop in October and are holding adult meetings and training on mindfulness and neuroscience.

From traditional celebrations like Diwali, Halloween, and the Harvest Festival to educational programs like Black History Month and mental health initiatives, this month offers a rich tapestry of events and activities that cater to the holistic development of young individuals. We believe that schools play a crucial role in shaping the experiences of students during this time, providing opportunities for learning, growth, and community engagement. October is not just a month on the calendar; it is a time of reflection, celebration, and empowerment for children in the UK

Did you know October is also World Space Week 2024 (4th - 10th October) 🚀?

From September to March schools and home educated groups who are registered to the Primary Engineer competition have the opportunity to RSVP for any of their live engineer interviews. Pupils from anywhere in the UK have the opportunity to ask the questions that matter to them and learn more about the various engineering fields.

Each interview with Primary Engineer will be recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel so keep your eye out for updates and items on the below interview schedule

Mark your calendars, for this exciting engineer interview series which has returned from September and running through October!

•             Friday 4th October 2024 (2pm) World Space Week –Find out on World Space Week about the crazy fun things you can do in Aerospace Medicine and Biomedical Engineering with Josef Schmid, NASA Flight Surgeon (a space doctor!)

•             Wednesday 30th October 2024 (1:30pm) – Rob Bell, Engineering Broadcaster: “Having studied for a Masters in Engineering at university, it took a dramatic career change into the television industry for me to fully uncover how awesome and rewarding the world of engineering really is. It’s everywhere and it changes people’s lives – no least; mine.”

•             Wednesday 13th November 2024 (1:30pm) – Andrew, Chief Engineer at Ford: “I’ve gone from playing with Hot Wheels and Scalextric to leading teams of engineers designing next-generation Transit vans. Find out how cool it is to see what you worked on being used by people every day of their lives!”

 

•             Friday 22nd November 2024 (1:30pm) – Martin, Engineering Director at Network Rail

•             Monday 9th December 2024 (1:30pm) – Ed Lewis, Operations and Project Manager at Railscape. Discover how drones are revolutionizing industries like the rail industry and making the world safer.

•             Friday 7th march 2025 (1:30pm) – Seren White, Senior Project Engineer at NP Aerospace and a winner of the Women’s Engineering Society’s Top 50 Women in Engineering Awards 2024: “Engineering comes in all shapes and sizes; you’ve just got to find the right fit. Find out about Seren’s engineering career in body armour.”

•             Monday, March 10th, 2025 (1:30pm): British Science Week! Roger Smith is a British watchmaker and the only apprentice of the late master watchmaker George Daniels. His handmade watches are a work of mechanical art and a celebration of what is possible, applying next-generation science to what has always been regarded as a traditional art form.

It’s a whole new academic year!

 

In the bustling city of London, young people are constantly exposed to a fast-paced and demanding environment. It is essential for them to have opportunities for enrichment and growth outside of the traditional classroom setting. Westminster Children's University offers a variety of extracurricular activities that not only enhance academic achievement but also contribute to overall well-being.

 

One of the primary reasons extracurricular activities are so important for children in London is the opportunity they provide for enrichment. These activities allow children to explore new interests, develop new skills, and interact with peers in a different setting. From sports teams to music lessons to art classes, extracurricular activities offer a wide range of opportunities for children to discover their passions and talents.

 

Additionally, extracurricular activities play a crucial role in improving overall well-being. Engaging in activities outside of the classroom can help reduce stress, improve mental health, and foster a sense of belonging and community. In a city as dynamic and fast-paced as London, it is important for children to have outlets for creativity, expression, and social interaction.

 

Westminster Children's University offers a variety of cultural and learning-based extracurricular activities that contribute to both well-being and academic achievement. By participating in activities such as museum visits, theatre workshops, coding classes, and language courses, children are exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking. These experiences not only enhance their academic knowledge but also foster a sense of curiosity, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation.

 

The benefits of cultural and learning-based fun go beyond academic achievement. These activities help children develop important life skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management. By engaging in creative and educational activities, children learn how to think outside the box, adapt to new challenges, and work collaboratively with others. These skills are essential for success in both academics and life in general.

 

Westminster Children's University plays a vital role in improving well-being and achievement through extracurricular opportunities in London. By providing a wide range of cultural and learning-based activities, children have the chance to explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with others in a meaningful way. These experiences not only enhance academic performance but also contribute to overall happiness, resilience, and personal growth. Extracurricular activities are a valuable component of a holistic education and play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded, confident, and successful individuals.

And Wow! What a great holiday and 2023-2024 we have had with our friends from primaries and venues across London. This year’s holiday club is a great example of this, we had a larger group with families signing up and joining in, making it so special. Thanks to Topsy Turvy for making us feel so welcome and hoisting activities for us, we particularly loved the slime parties, and the venue was super as ever at getting us moving and playing with new friends!

We also had the pleasure of speaking to some new schools and partners over the holiday period and it is exciting to plan to work together in this new academic year. Art was a big part of our projects last academic year and continues to be so in this one. We have textile and Mural artists coming to schools once we are back and will continue to put up public art installations throughout 2025 so look out for updates on where you’ll be able to find them soon.

We love doing things together and this academic year is to be no exception with Future Makers, Into Film, The Lion King, and Winter Wishes all coming up this November. In December we are promoting seasonal STEM with groups having sessions and mini-graduations at Brent Cross including organising additional animal encounters in schools. Throughout the year we will be offering outreach and wellbeing sessions, supporting educators to get Mind-Up happening in their venues too.

We are hoping to secure funding for secondary students to run their own social-action projects and will be delivering 8 sessions in participating secondary schools, funding and facilitating the picked projects which we are very excited about too. We will also have our favourite afterschool clubs available weekly from 4-6 including IT, Into Film, Art and Forest School for you to get involved in so there is plenty to choose from. Members of our film club will get the club code to log in and watch films as well as writing reviews. We will also be working with filmmakers to create films and art and look forward to this coming to your schools throughout 2024-2025.

So, as you can see, there’s lots to look forward to and get involved in this academic year. Make sure you speak to your coordinators about what you would like to see and do too so you can plan activities as a class as well as set out your personal goals and plans for the year. Setting realistic and rewarding goals as a school student in a new academic year is key to achieving success and personal growth. As you embark on this exciting journey, it is important to remember to prioritize your well-being and maintain a positive attitude. Remember to set achievable goals, taking into account your current interests, options and any limitations that might be in your way –cost etc.

To ensure a successful academic year, it is crucial to strike a balance between studying and having fun. Make sure to schedule regular study sessions while also allocating time for recreational activities that bring you joy. This balance will help prevent burnout and keep you motivated throughout the year.In addition to your academic goals, it is important to set personal goals for your overall wellbeing. Whether it's improving your physical fitness, cultivating a hobby, or strengthening your relationships with friends and family, make sure to include these goals in your plan for the year ahead.When setting your goals, remember to break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. This will make it easier to track your progress and stay motivated. Celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small, to keep your momentum going.

 

Finally, make sure to include time for relaxation and recreation in your schedule. Whether it's playing sports, reading books, or exploring new hobbies, taking breaks and engaging in activities you enjoy, which we can also help you with at WCU, doing this will help you recharge and stay motivated in pursuing your goals

By setting great goals that prioritize your well-being, positivity, and study-fun balance, you will set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling academic year ahead. Remember to stay focused, stay positive, and stay committed to your goals, you can do it!

 

The septennial Celebration of the accreditations and awards achieved by Westminster Children's University and Queen's Park School from 2017 to 2024 highlights the commitment and dedication of the staff and facilitators to supporting and promoting enrichment, cohesion, and well-being within the 4-14 age category of London's youth. The wide range of specialties within the cohort which focus on the mental health aspect of additional provision in primary and secondary education, showcasing the holistic approach taken by both institutions in nurturing the holistic development of young learners.



One of the notable accreditations received by Westminster Children's University is the Sunsafe School Accreditation from Boots, spanning from 2017 to 2020. This accreditation underscores the commitment of both organization to promoting sun safety practices among its students, ensuring their health and well-being in outdoor activities. Similarly, the Business Education Awards received in 2019 for Art and Craft Excellence and Art and Crafts Progress and Excellence acknowledge the outstanding achievements and creativity of the students in these areas, reflecting the commitment of the institution in fostering artistic talents and self-expression among the young learners.



Furthermore, the Healthy Schools Awards in Bronze, Silver, and Gold categories obtained by Westminster Children's University in 2019 highlight the institution's dedication to promoting health and well-being among its students. The progression from Bronze to Silver and ultimately to Gold signifies the continuous efforts of QP and WCU in creating a healthy and supportive environment for its students to thrive. Additionally, the Eco-Schools accreditation in Bronze, Silver, and Green Flag categories further underlines the institution's commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness, instilling in students the values of conservation and eco-consciousness.



In the realm of mental health and well-being, the Children and Young Peoples’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Award received in 2019, along with the Wellbeing Award for Schools Achievement/accreditation from 2020 to 2023, demonstrate the holistic approach of Westminster Children's University in addressing the mental health needs of its students. These accreditations emphasize the importance of mental well-being in overall development and highlight the institution's efforts in providing a supportive and nurturing environment for young learners to thrive.

Moreover, the recognition received in the Community Education Awards for the Community Champion Career Award and WCU First Aid Project Award further showcases the positive impact of Westminster Children's University in the wider community. These accolades underscore the institution's commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students and community members.

In conclusion, the septennial celebration of the accreditations and awards achieved by Westminster Children's University and Queen's Park School from 2017 to 2024 reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the staff and facilitators in promoting enrichment, cohesion, and well-being among London's youth. The diverse range of accreditations obtained in various areas such as sun safety, arts and crafts, health and well-being, environmental sustainability, mental health, and community engagement, illustrates the holistic approach taken by these institutions in nurturing the holistic development of young learners. Overall, these accolades serve as a testament to the impact and effectiveness of Westminster Children's University and Queen's Park School in providing free aspirational and educational opportunities for young people and making a positive difference in the lives of London's youth.

Can you believe it’s July already? This month we will all graduate and celebrate your marvellous work, so don’t forget to be sure your hours are logged and are in via your coordinators.

Did you know, on average the warmest month in the UK, July is known as both Picnic Month and Ice Cream Month? Named after famed Roman Emperor Julius Caesar by decision of the Roman Senate in 44 BC, this month was originally the fifth month of the old calendar and because of this it was previously known as Quintilis, meaning fifth so it’s time to get out in Wonderful London and take part in some Free outdoor fun.

 The month of July marks the midway point of the year. It's also considered a month of fun thanks to the biggest patriotic party of the year that starts the first week of July. It's also a favoured month to take a vacation because of the consistently warm and sultry weather across much of the world and many of us will be traveling and exploring this July, so don’t forget to keep your journals and collect even more hours.

London is a city that holds a plethora of opportunities for fun and engaging activities, especially for kids. However, with the summer break quickly approaching, many parents may be wondering how to keep their children entertained without breaking the bank. Luckily, London offers a wide array of free activities for kids during the months of July and August. From outdoor adventures to indoor exploration, the options are endless. So, why not get out and about in London this summer for free and give your kids an unforgettable experience?

One of the best activities for kids in London during July and August is exploring the city's many parks and green spaces. With over 3,000 parks to choose from, London is truly a green paradise. Whether it's running through the grass, playing on the playground, or having a picnic, there is no shortage of fun to be had in London's parks. Some of the most popular parks for kids include Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Greenwich Park. These parks offer a wide range of activities, from boating on the lake to visiting the playgrounds and even exploring the wildlife. Best of all, most of these activities are completely free of charge.

For a more structured experience, many museums and galleries in London offer free admission for children. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about history, art, and culture in a fun and interactive way. The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the British Museum are just a few examples of museums that offer free admission for kids. These museums often have special exhibitions and events specifically designed for children, making learning a truly enjoyable experience. In addition, many museums offer hands-on activities and workshops for kids, allowing them to explore their creativity and imagination.

If you have a love for animals, London has several free options for animal lovers and ZSL continue to offer community access tickets through us at WCU. The city is home to a number of parks and farms where kids can interact with animals up close. One such example further away is Mudchute Park and Farm, located on the Isle of Dogs. Here, kids can visit the animals, including sheep, pigs, and even llamas. The farm also offers educational workshops and activities for children, making it a great place to spend a day with the family. Another option more locally, is the Hounslow Urban Farm, which is home to a variety of animals, including ponies, goats, and rabbits. Kids can pet and feed the animals, as well as participate in educational shows and activities.

 

 

 

For those looking for a bit of adventure, London has a number of free events and festivals throughout the summer months. From outdoor concerts to street markets, there is always something happening in the city. One popular event is the Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place in August and features a vibrant parade, music, and food stalls. The Southbank Centre also hosts a variety of free events for kids, including storytelling, music performances, and arts and crafts workshops. These events are a great way for kids to experience different cultures and traditions while having a blast.

 

London offers a wide range of free activities for you to enjoy during the summer months. From exploring parks and museums to interacting with animals and attending festivals, there is something for everyone. So, why not get out and about in London this summer and give your adults an unforgettable experience to share? With so many free options available, the possibilities are endless. So pack a picnic, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a summer full of fun and adventure in London.

FREE Paddle-sport

Gilbey’s Wharf, Oval Road, London

Experience paddle sport for FREE! Designed for young Londoners aged 8 to 17, these sessions run every Sunday from February 4 to October 27, 2024, 2pm to 3.30pm, even during school holidays. Perfect for beginners, with a maximum of 16 spaces per session.

Be sure to pre-book! Led by a skilled British Canoeing instructor team at The Pirate Castle, Gilbey’s Wharf, Oval Road, London. or call 020 7267 6605 for details and to reserve your spot.

Contact info@thepiratecastle.org

Address: The Pirate Castle, Gilbey’s Wharf, Oval Rd, London NW1 7EA

 

Wonderful Weeds Nature Walk

On July the 23^rd Join the Royal Parks for free on a leisurely walk through the park discovering the beautiful botany and fascinating heritage of some of our most overlooked wild species, the ‘weeds’.

Our relationship to these wild plants has changed throughout history. What place do weeds have in our urban parks, and what lessons can we learn from them?

This walk will last up to 2 hours and is aimed at adults with an interest in learning more about botany and ethnobotany.

On this walk we will explore botanical identification skills, benefits for biodiversity and climate resilience, historical and cultural significance.

Find out more: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/wonderful-weeds

Tuesday, July 16 · 10am - 12pm GMT+1 Macrophotography at Bushy Park for Parents only

Discover hidden worlds and nature's unseen beauty with a macro photography lesson led by guest expert Max Mudie.

Learn tips and tricks from a professional macro photographer before heading out into the park with the Help Nature Thrive team to see what images of nature we can capture using our mobile phones and macro lenses.

This 1.5-2hr interactive session for adults only.

It will involve an indoor ‘introduction to macro photography on mobile phones’ by Max Mudie, followed by an outdoor flora and fauna walk in the park with the Help Nature Thrive team.

Find out more: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/macro-photography-beginners-max-mudie-junjul24

 

Free Discovery Days in Hyde Park Discover more about The Royal Parks at: https://www.royalparks.org.uk

Discovery Days: Wild About Water

Tue, 30 Jul, 11:00 + 2 more

Hyde Park Learning Centre

Free

Discovery Days: Meadow Madness

Tue, 6 Aug, 11:00 + 2 more

Hyde Park Learning Centre

Free

Tue, 13 Aug, 11:00 + 2 more

 

Creation Family Fun: Nature Tales

16th & 19th August 2024 10.00 – 12.00

Westminster Abbey, founded 1,000 years ago on Thorney Island, has long had a duty to care for and protect nature. Drawing on our ancient roots and Christian faith, this hopeful season of events brings together people from all faiths, and none, reminding us that we are all connected in one living world. Join us in our historic gardens to unearth our personal accountability, inspire communal action, and contribute to the global conversation.

Step back in time at Westminster Abbey’s medieval walled garden to start your journey into their story safari. Hear beastly bygone tales, create art inspired by imaginative creatures, and spot arty animals in one of central London’s most peaceful habitats. This event is free,to book and find out more go to 

https://www.westminster-abbey.org/events/summer-season

Discovery workshops throughout the holidays

Hyde Park Learning Centre

Free

Discovery Days: Peter Pan

Tue, 13 Aug, 11:00 + 2 more

Hyde Park Learning Centre

Free

Discovery Days: Life Underground

Tue, 20 Aug, 11:00 + 2 more

Hyde Park Learning Centre

Free

Discover more about The Royal Parks at: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/

 

QPPC Summer Festival

First SATURDAY IN August

QP Gardens Ilbert street 10-6

Queen’s Park Summer Festival

(Every August, Queen’s Park Community Council hosts the Queen’s Park Summer Festival, a free and fun-filled celebration of our local community. Summer Festival features live performances, interactive activities for residents of all ages, food vans, stalls hosted by local organizations and residents. These include advice and support on recycling, health, well-being, and introductory workshops to sports, gardening, and creative arts. There is a special over 50s space in St Jude’s Hall during the festival, across the road from the Queen’s Park Gardens.

QPCC is always looking for performers, stall holders, caterers and activity providers, and enthusiastic volunteers without whom the events would not be possible. If you would like to get involved, contact us by emailing info@queensparkcommunitycouncil.gov.uk

Medieval Soap Making

Activities take place in our Learning Centre (EC1V 4JJ) which is situated over the road from the Museum

museum@sja.org.uk

Using medicinal herbs from our garden, make your own medieval soap to take home! With Storytelling from Margaret Bateson-Hill 13:30-14:30.

Museum of the Order of St John

St John's Gate 26 St John's Lane London EC1M 4DA

Show map

About this event

•Our programme is recommended for 3-10 year olds but siblings and babies are very welcome.

•This activity is for families only; however, we welcome community groups and large parties to contact us for separate bookings and activities.

•For any larger groups than 10 persons, please contact Amie at amie.hampsheir-gill@sja.org.uk before booking so we can anticipate your arrival.

•Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the activity.

•Activities take place in our Learning Centre (EC1V 4JJ) which is situated over the road from the Museum.

•If you can no longer attend the activity, please let us know so that we can give another family the opportunity to participate.

•If anyone in your group has sensory needs please contact us (museum@sja.org.uk) and we will ensure that your table is located in a quieter environment, provide you with a visual story or talk through how else we can best assist you on the day.

FREE Apple Store Workshops

Discover free and entertaining activities for kids in London at Apple’s workshops, where you can create your own emoji, code your first app, or compose a theme song. While these workshops are entirely free, remember to secure your spot by booking in advance.

 

The diverse London locations, including Battersea Power Station, Regent Street, Brompton Road, White City, Brent Cross, Stratford City, Bromley, Regent Street, Bentalls Centre, and Covent Garden, offer convenient options. For more details and to book a session, check the provided

https://www.apple.com/uk/today/calendar/?topics=kids-and-families&showHero=true

 The Microsoft Experience Centre

 

Address: 253-259 Regent St., London W1B 2ER

Immerse yourselves in the ultimate gaming experience at The Microsoft Experience Centre‘s Xbox Lounge. The lounge is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm (Mon-Sat) and 12 pm to 6 pm (Sun). Add excitement to your Saturdays with the Minecraft Build Challenge for kids aged 8 and above, running from 1 pm to 2 pm! Your kids might even win a cool prize! While the Minecraft gaming challenge requires pre-booking on the website, feel free to walk in at any other time.

Virgin Media Gamepad at The O2

Address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX

Located at The O2 in London, the Virgin Media Gamepad offers the finest in the gaming world. It’s open to everyone for free, but if you’re an O2/Virgin Media customer, you can secure a spot through the O2 Priority app.

 

Summer Screens: Family Gaming – Canary Wharf

18 August 13:00 – 15:00

 https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/film-club/ June

Check out the free Family Gaming sessions where participants can engage in a variety of family-friendly games on big screens. All gaming events are free, and attendees can simply join in, with friendly stewards available to explain the rules. Player numbers are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. These sessions are aimed at children aged 5+ and their families. More info here.

• Tues 4 June - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 8 June - Shrek (U) - 10:30am

 

• Mon 10 June - Pride (15) - 7pm

 

• Tues 11 June - Jaws (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 15 June - Fantastic Mr Fox (PG) - 10:30am

 

• Sun 16 June - Clueless (12) - 5pm

 

• Mon 17 June - The Wizard of Oz (U) - 7pm

 

• Tues 18 June - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 22 June - Coco (PG) - 10:30am

 

• Mon 24 June - But I'm a Cheerleader (15) - 7pm

 

• Tues 25 June - Groundhog Day (PG) - 7pm

 

• Sat 29 June - How to Train Your Dragon (PG) - 10:30am

 

• Sun 30 June - Wonka (PG) - 5pm

 

• Tues 16 July - The Dark Knight (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 20 July - Monsters Inc (U) - 10:30am

 

• Tues 23 July - Romeo+Juliet (12) - 7pm

 

• Tues 30 July - Crazy Rich Asians (12) - 7pm

 

• Tues 13 August - Barbie (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 17 August - The Little Mermaid (PG) - 10:30am

 

• Sun 18 August - The Incredibles (U) - 5pm

 

• Tues 20 August - Bajrangi Bhaijaan (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 24 August - The Super Mario Bros Movie (PG) - 10:30am

 

• Tues 27 August - Grease (PG) - 7pm

Can you believe it’s July already? This month we will all graduate and celebrate your marvellous work, so don’t forget to be sure your hours are logged and are in via your coordinators.

Did you know, on average the warmest month in the UK, July is known as both Picnic Month and Ice Cream Month? Named after famed Roman Emperor Julius Caesar by decision of the Roman Senate in 44 BC, this month was originally the fifth month of the old calendar and because of this it was previously known as Quintilis, meaning fifth so it’s time to get out in Wonderful London and take part in some Free outdoor fun.

 The month of July marks the midway point of the year. It's also considered a month of fun thanks to the biggest patriotic party of the year that starts the first week of July. It's also a favored month to take a vacation because of the consistently warm and sultry weather across much of the world and many of us will be traveling and exploring this July, so don’t forget to keep your journals and collect even more hours.

FREE Paddlesport

Gilbey’s Wharf, Oval Road, London

Experience paddle sport for FREE! Designed for young Londoners aged 8 to 17, these sessions run every Sunday from February 4 to October 27, 2024, 2pm to 3.30pm, even during school holidays. Perfect for beginners, with a maximum of 16 spaces per session.

Be sure to pre-book! Led by a skilled British Canoeing instructor team at The Pirate Castle, Gilbey’s Wharf, Oval Road, London. or call 020 7267 6605 for details and to reserve your spot.

Contact info@thepiratecastle.org

Address: The Pirate Castle, Gilbey’s Wharf, Oval Rd, London NW1 7EA

 

Wonderful  Weeds Nature Walk

On July the 23^rd Join the Royal Parks for free on a leisurely walk through the park discovering the beautiful botany and fascinating heritage of some of our most overlooked wild species, the ‘weeds’.

Our relationship to these wild plants has changed throughout history. What place do weeds have in our urban parks, and what lessons can we learn from them?

This walk will last up to 2 hours and is aimed at adults with an interest in learning more about botany and ethnobotany.

On this walk we will explore botanical identification skills, benefits for biodiversity and climate resilience, historical and cultural significance.

Find out more: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/wonderful-weeds

Tuesday, July 16 · 10am - 12pm GMT+1 Macrophotography at Bushy Park for Parents only

Discover hidden worlds and nature's unseen beauty with a macro photography lesson led by guest expert Max Mudie.

Learn tips and tricks from a professional macro photographer before heading out into the park with the Help Nature Thrive team to see what images of nature we can capture using our mobile phones and macro lenses.

This 1.5-2hr interactive session for adults only.

It will involve an indoor ‘introduction to macro photography on mobile phones’ by Max Mudie, followed by an outdoor flora and fauna walk in the park with the Help Nature Thrive team.

Find out more: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/macro-photography-beginners-max-mudie-junjul24

 

Free Discovery Days in Hyde Park Discover more about The Royal Parks at: https://www.royalparks.org.uk

Discovery Days: Wild About Water

Tue, 30 Jul, 11:00 + 2 more

Hyde Park Learning Centre

Free

Discovery Days: Meadow Madness

Tue, 6 Aug, 11:00 + 2 more

Hyde Park Learning Centre

Free

Tue, 13 Aug, 11:00 + 2 more

 

Creation Family Fun: Nature Tales

16th & 19th August 2024 10.00 – 12.00

Westminster Abbey, founded 1,000 years ago on Thorney Island, has long had a duty to care for and protect nature. Drawing on our ancient roots and Christian faith, this hopeful season of events brings together people from all faiths, and none, reminding us that we are all connected in one living world. Join us in our historic gardens to unearth our personal accountability, inspire communal action, and contribute to the global conversation.

Step back in time at Westminster Abbey’s medieval walled garden to start your journey into their story safari. Hear beastly bygone tales, create art inspired by imaginative creatures, and spot arty animals in one of central London’s most peaceful habitats. This event is free,to book and find out more go to 

https://www.westminster-abbey.org/events/summer-season

Discovery workshops throughout the holidays

Hyde Park Learning Centre

Free

Discovery Days: Peter Pan

Tue, 13 Aug, 11:00 + 2 more

Hyde Park Learning Centre

Free

Discovery Days: Life Underground

Tue, 20 Aug, 11:00 + 2 more

Hyde Park Learning Centre

Free

Discover more about The Royal Parks at: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/

 

QPPC Summer Festival

First SATURDAY IN August

QP Gardens Ilbert street 10-6

Queen’s Park Summer Festival

(Every August, Queen’s Park Community Council hosts the Queen’s Park Summer Festival, a free and fun-filled celebration of our local community. Summer Festival features live performances, interactive activities for residents of all ages, food vans, stalls hosted by local organizations and residents. These include advice and support on recycling, health, well-being, and introductory workshops to sports, gardening, and creative arts. There is a special over 50s space in St Jude’s Hall during the festival, across the road from the Queen’s Park Gardens.

QPCC is always looking for performers, stall holders, caterers and activity providers, and enthusiastic volunteers without whom the events would not be possible. If you would like to get involved, contact us by emailing info@queensparkcommunitycouncil.gov.uk

Medieval Soap Making

Activities take place in our Learning Centre (EC1V 4JJ) which is situated over the road from the Museum

museum@sja.org.uk

Using medicinal herbs from our garden, make your own medieval soap to take home! With Storytelling from Margaret Bateson-Hill 13:30-14:30.

Museum of the Order of St John

St John's Gate 26 St John's Lane London EC1M 4DA

Show map

About this event

•Our programme is recommended for 3-10 year olds but siblings and babies are very welcome.

•This activity is for families only; however, we welcome community groups and large parties to contact us for separate bookings and activities.

•For any larger groups than 10 persons, please contact Amie at amie.hampsheir-gill@sja.org.uk before booking so we can anticipate your arrival.

•Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the activity.

•Activities take place in our Learning Centre (EC1V 4JJ) which is situated over the road from the Museum.

•If you can no longer attend the activity, please let us know so that we can give another family the opportunity to participate.

•If anyone in your group has sensory needs please contact us (museum@sja.org.uk) and we will ensure that your table is located in a quieter environment, provide you with a visual story or talk through how else we can best assist you on the day.

FREE Apple Store Workshops

Discover free and entertaining activities for kids in London at Apple’s workshops, where you can create your own emoji, code your first app, or compose a theme song. While these workshops are entirely free, remember to secure your spot by booking in advance.

 

The diverse London locations, including Battersea Power Station, Regent Street, Brompton Road, White City, Brent Cross, Stratford City, Bromley, Regent Street, Bentalls Centre, and Covent Garden, offer convenient options. For more details and to book a session, check the provided

https://www.apple.com/uk/today/calendar/?topics=kids-and-families&showHero=true

 The Microsoft Experience Centre

 

Address: 253-259 Regent St., London W1B 2ER

Immerse yourselves in the ultimate gaming experience at The Microsoft Experience Centre‘s Xbox Lounge. The lounge is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm (Mon-Sat) and 12 pm to 6 pm (Sun). Add excitement to your Saturdays with the Minecraft Build Challenge for kids aged 8 and above, running from 1 pm to 2 pm! Your kids might even win a cool prize! While the Minecraft gaming challenge requires pre-booking on the website, feel free to walk in at any other time.

Virgin Media Gamepad at The O2

Address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX

Located at The O2 in London, the Virgin Media Gamepad offers the finest in the gaming world. It’s open to everyone for free, but if you’re an O2/Virgin Media customer, you can secure a spot through the O2 Priority app.

 

Summer Screens: Family Gaming – Canary Wharf

18 August 13:00 – 15:00

 https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/film-club/ June

Check out the free Family Gaming sessions where participants can engage in a variety of family-friendly games on big screens. All gaming events are free, and attendees can simply join in, with friendly stewards available to explain the rules. Player numbers are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. These sessions are aimed at children aged 5+ and their families. More info here.

• Tues 4 June - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 8 June - Shrek (U) - 10:30am

 

• Mon 10 June - Pride (15) - 7pm

 

• Tues 11 June - Jaws (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 15 June - Fantastic Mr Fox (PG) - 10:30am

 

• Sun 16 June - Clueless (12) - 5pm

 

• Mon 17 June - The Wizard of Oz (U) - 7pm

 

• Tues 18 June - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 22 June - Coco (PG) - 10:30am

 

• Mon 24 June - But I'm a Cheerleader (15) - 7pm

 

• Tues 25 June - Groundhog Day (PG) - 7pm

 

• Sat 29 June - How to Train Your Dragon (PG) - 10:30am

 

• Sun 30 June - Wonka (PG) - 5pm

 

• Tues 16 July - The Dark Knight (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 20 July - Monsters Inc (U) - 10:30am

 

• Tues 23 July - Romeo+Juliet (12) - 7pm

 

• Tues 30 July - Crazy Rich Asians (12) - 7pm

 

• Tues 13 August - Barbie (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 17 August - The Little Mermaid (PG) - 10:30am

 

• Sun 18 August - The Incredibles (U) - 5pm

 

• Tues 20 August - Bajrangi Bhaijaan (12) - 7pm

 

• Sat 24 August - The Super Mario Bros Movie (PG) - 10:30am

 

• Tues 27 August - Grease (PG) - 7pm

It’s June!

May seems to have gone by so quickly we had a great time during STEM week with art at the Canal Cavalcade and even had reading on the beach. Now, we are getting ready to look forward to June and even warmer weather as well as getting ready for graduations. It’s a sunny and exciting time and there is still plenty more for you to do with WCU.

Thanks to Lets Localise and Cognizant we are still experimenting with our free TWIN engineering and coding kits. I has been great fun and we are determined to keep the fun and exploration going. We have made a fruit salad of electric pianos-banana, grape and strawberry- and learned how circuits we use all the time work. We are working on coded sustainability projects and creating work in scratch too.

Now is a great time to start collecting your hours together in a list to get ready for graduation, if you need any help in school with this please let us know ,we’d be happy to help.

Archimake workshops are fun short courses in creativity, drawing, model making, problem solving and teamwork, for children aged over 7 to explore design & the built environment.

If the weather has put you in the mood for outdoor arts, the Kaleidoscope Festival is back! The event, on Saturday the 13th of July, will once more feature a packed programme that promises our customary mix of live music, DJs, comedy, and a host of entertainment for families around the festival site, including interactive theatre, workshops and more at London’s highest festival. All set within the beautiful Alexandra Park with views right across London. It’s shaping up to be a lovely day with plenty of family activities to take part in too!

WCU can also offer Art Award an ultimately GCSE equivalent national qualifications certified by Trinity College London Come and join us at Archimake, at QP from 4-5 on Mondays to meet architects and d=create your own designs. Signing up is easy just let us know you’re coming and we will see you there.

Meanwhile gardens is a great local venue and we will be there every Wednesday 4-6 PM in June, working with the floating classroom to get you all involved in forest school. This summer the Floating Classroom is offering 8 weeks of free Forest School activities at Meanwhile Gardens for children aged 8-11 from schools taking part in the Westminster Children's University extra-curricular scheme.

Forest School is a fun, child-centred learning process that uses regular outdoor sessions to connect children to the natural world. This is a brilliant opportunity to learn about the environment, build confidence, and explore the outdoors.

Every Wednesday afternoon in the 2024 summer term:  15th May - 10th July at Meanwhile Gardens (156 - 158 Kensal Rd, W10 5BN) (not half-term - 29th May)

You can sign-up using the link to the form here. If you have any questions or need help completing your sign-up form: call 0203 951 7376 or email cameron@thefloatingclassroom.co.uk

Please note: this activity is for children from schools participating in the Westminster Children's University extra-curricular programme.

Current member schools are: St Augustine’s, Kilburn Park, St Thomas' Primary School, Edward Wilson Primary School, Our Lady Dolour’s Primary School, St Joseph’s Church of England Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Oakington Manor Primary School, Middle Park Primary School, Rathfern Primary School, St Paul's and All Hallows CofE primary school, Soho Parish School, Queen's Park Primary, Essendine Primary, Hallfield Primary, St Mary of the Angels, St Peter's Primary, St Luke's Primary, St Stephen's Primary, Holy Cross Primary School, St Marylebone the Bridge.

The month of June also sees us celebrating Butterfly Education and Awareness Day, or BEAD for short, is an annual event organised by the Association for Butterflies (AFD) to raise awareness about the importance of butterfly conservation.

BEAD is designed to help educate the public about the importance of butterflies in the pollination process and why it's important to create and protect butterfly habitats. This event is also a great opportunity to learn about metamorphosis and the environment.

BEAD is a yearly event that happens on the first Saturday of June. In 2024 BEAD will be on the 1st of June.

 

Pot Gang have sent us growing kits and we have had several community days planting and growing too ,it's so rewarding seeing all the growth happening this time of year.

How can you create a habitat for butterflies?

The best way to create a good habitat for butterflies is to add lots of butterfly biodiversity to a sunny patch of garden. There are a number of ways that you can make butterflies and caterpillars feel more at home:

1. Plant wildflowers - long grass, wildflowers and nettles are great for butterflies and caterpillars.
2. Plant other nectar-rich flowers - such as Buddleia, Red Valerian or Verbena
3. Use the sun - plant flowers and place rocks or large stones in sunny corners to encourage basking

How can you get involved in Butterfly Education and Awareness Day?

Use some of these lovely, butterfly-themed resources when celebrating the day in school or at home:

• Horticulture and Growing Plants Activity Pack
• Caterpillars and Butterflies Discovery Sack
• Paper Butterfly Craft Activity
• Butterfly Colouring Sheets
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Maths Activity
• Butterfly Symmetry Worksheet

What is the lifecycle of a butterfly?

The lifecycle of a butterfly is made up of 4 different stages:

1. Egg
2. Caterpillar (or larva)
3. Chrysalis (or pupa)
4. Butterfly

5 Fun facts about butterflies!

1. All butterflies have 4 wings, even if it looks like they only have 2!
2. Butterfly wings are actually made up of tiny scales that reflect light to form beautiful colours and patterns.
3. It is estimated that there are between 15,000 and 20,000 different species of butterfly in the world! How many have you seen?
4. Butterflies can cleverly camouflage themselves to avoid predators.
5. Butterflies flap their wings at least 5 times every second!
6. If you would like a trip to Kew with your class, we have tickets to their community day so get in touch and maybe you’ll be on your very own Kew butterfly hunt soon.

 

When is Child Safety Week 2024?

In 2024, Child Safety Week runs from Monday 3rd of June, to Sunday 9th of June.

Child Safety Week is an annual campaign created by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT). Child Safety Week is intended to instigate conversations around child safety and spread awareness of how parents, carers and educators can prevent accidents through proactive dialogue and promoting awareness through activities. The campaign is led UK-wide, and also focuses on educating children on different approaches to accident prevention and how they can keep themselves safe.

How Child Safety Week can help parents, educators and children

CAPT’s main incentives are to prevent the number of accidents to children in the UK; one of the leading causes of children’s death behind cancer. Although they recognise that children need to experiment and take risks in order to learn, they strive to impart practical knowledge, solutions, and strategies to minimise risks and accidents in common circumstances, such as on the roads, online, and at home.

For Child Safety Week, you can get involved by facilitating sessions with staff about child safety, and include children in lessons about how to keep themselves safe. Have a nosey at some of our fantastic resources that you can use either at home, or in your learning environment, in order to instigate awareness and conversation about child safety.

You could get involved by playing the Think! Road Safety Game https://www.think.gov.uk/resource/take-the-lead-game/

Or visit https://capt.org.uk/ for free resources lessons and games.

https://youtu.be/oDSwZZiB8w4

June is a truly busy month and all month long it is Pride Month from June 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024 .Pride Month takes place every year in June and is a celebration designed to recognise the influence of the LGBTQ+ community. Celebrating diversity and people's right to live how they choose without discrimination, Pride Month promotes positivity and equal rights for all.

Pride Month helps raise awareness of issues facing the LGBTQ+ community and provides an opportunity to celebrate the culture of inclusivity, with parades, street parties, community events and more. Designed to help educate people, Pride Month events are attended by millions of people worldwide.

The history of Pride Month

Pride Month is celebrated every year in June, as this marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. These were a series of equal rights demonstrations held by members of the LGBTQ+ community against oppression. This was in response to violent police raids on LGBTQ+ establishments in New York in June 1969.

Considered a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ civil rights, Pride Month is celebrated in June to mark how far the movement has come and what still needs to be done to help ensure fair treatment for all without discrimination.

You could create a beautiful classroom display with the help of these gorgeous rainbow posters, bunting, flashcards, colouring puzzles and Pride Flags Chart. Learn all about the pride flag on this Pride Flag Teaching Wiki! For more ideas, try:

You could even arrange your very own pride party by using our Pride Party Packs and beautifully-illustrated Pride Greetings Cards. Or you could do some colouring information sheets, these feature sports people and athletes who identify as LGBTQ+. Great for displays or for allowing children some valuable mindful time. You might also like these simple Pride Month Sports Star Colouring Pages.

KS1 Pride: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Composers and Musicians PPT - This PowerPoint is aimed at KS1 children and is intended to celebrate composers, artists and musicians from the LGBTQ+ community who have made a contribution to music in the world today.

KS2 Pride: Celebrating Contributions of LGBTQ+ Artists PPT - This resource is perfect to celebrate diversity in art. It is a fantastic and informative PowerPoint to use at any time of year, and an excellent resource to recognise significant contributions of LGBTQ+ artists during Pride month.

https://youtu.be/oA7yke3k254

Caring for and respecting each other is one of the most important things we can do and June is also the month in which empathy day falls. Who are EmpathyLab?

Empathy Lab are a social enterprise with a mission to raise an empathy-educated generation, inspired to create a better world for everyone. Our aim is to reach and benefit 1 million children and young people a year by 2026.

Why is empathy important?

Empathy is being able to experience and understand other people's feelings and points of view. It is a crucial life skill every child and young person deserves the chance to develop, and a force for social change. We are not born with a finite amount of empathy, and this skill can be developed at any time.

What is Empathy Day?

Empathy Day is a national event, which inspires children, young people, and families to develop their empathy superpower and put it into action to change the world.

1. Learn more about empathy and build specific empathy skills: perspective-taking, empathic listening, naming, and sharing emotions and social action.
2. Experience empathy through rich encounters with books, authors and illustrators.
3. Be inspired to drive change by putting empathy into action.
4. Empathy Day is underpinned by scientific research showing that we can all learn to be more empathetic, it's a learnable skill. Plus, research shows that books are a powerful tool – when young readers identify with book characters, they learn to see things from others' points of view (http://empathylab.uk/research).

By taking part in Empathy Day, children, young people and the wider school community will:

When is Empathy Day 2024?

This year, Empathy Day is on Thursday 6th June, with run-up activity taking place from May.

What is the theme for Empathy Day 2024?

This year's theme is MISSION EMPATHY. We are asking children and young people to choose and complete one creative activity each from Read, Connect and Act, to boost their empathy superpower.

https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/empathy/