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Win Spirit of Christmas Tickets

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We’re giving you the chance to win Spirit of Christmas tickets

 

 

To celebrate its 20 year anniversary and its return following a year of shopping online, we are offering you the chance to win Spirit of Christmas tickets! And no ordinary tickets – unlimited passes mean you can go on any day and return as many times as you like within the seven days of the show.

This year you’ll find 650 independent boutiques offering items not found on the high street, shining a spotlight on British, sustainable and ethically produced products. Enabling customers to find something for even the trickiest of individuals to buy for, discerning shoppers will find endless never-before-seen items. From gifts and treats to entertaining ideas, the expertly curated fashion, decorations, jewellery, homeware, baby and children, toys and games, food and drinks brands have all been hand-picked for their quality and originality.

Every serious shopper needs refreshments, and you’ll find the Louis Roederer Champagne Bars or Mosimann’s.

Details

1-7 November 2021
Olympia, London
www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk

 

Click here to enter

 

Terms & Conditions
This competition will run from 22-29 October 2021.
The tickets are offered are two unlimited passes.
The winner will be notified by email.
Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged.
Travel is not included.
Only one entry per person, per day will be counted.
The decision of City Kids Magazine is final.

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Halloween Dress Up

Features, Features Home, Latest from CK, Style, Uncategorised

 

It’s that time to take a deep breath and go all-in with the Halloween dress up!

 

Gearing up for a Halloween party or trick or treating? The excitement is real this year after the non-event of 2020. There are some very sweet, and rather spooky halloween costumes around this year. We’ve selected some of our favourites whether your little ones want to go the whole hog, or just wear some accessories in their halloween dress up this year. Gather your buckets, find the face paint and line up your tricks…

We all know that even the most well-planned parties and events can go wrong, so Rospa, the charity striving to prevent accidents, gives this advice for Hallween.

  • Check that all Halloween and fancy dress costumes you buy carry a CE mark on the label.
  • As with all clothing, Halloween and fancy dress outfits should always be kept away from fire, lit candles and all other naked flames.
  • If lit candles are part of your celebrations always follow their safety guidelines, and remember:
    • Always supervise children and pets if using lit candles.
    • Do not allow children to carry, play, reach over, light or be near lit candles.
    • Never leave a burning candle unattended.
    • Remember always to extinguish a candle completely after use.
    • Take care when using candles at Halloween. Do not carry pumpkins with lit candles inside, consider using battery-operated candles instead.
  • Children should always be supervised by a suitable adult.
  • If fireworks are part of your celebrations, follow the Firework Code (see our fireworks safety page for more information).
  • Be aware that homemade fancy dress costumes or those not tested to the same flammability standards may ignite easily and burn quicker.
  • Ensure children can be seen in the dark; ideally they should wear something reflective such as a reflective strip, and carry a torch.

 

Time to dress up!

Halloween Hoodie

£20.30
babymori.com

Hair Clips

€10
milledeux.com

 

Black Skeleton Sleep Suit

£8-9
next.co.uk

Baby Pumpkin Bodysuit, hat and tights set

johnlewis.com
£18

Children’s 3D Claw Boot Slippers

£15-18
johnlewis.com

Zombie Costume

£12
Tu

 

 

Fabelab Dress Up Wings

£21.95
scandiborn.co.uk

 

 

Blue Superhero Costume

£53
Merimeriparty.co.uk

 

Cobweb Tutu & Headband

£50
merimeri.co.uk

 

 

For more Halloween party essentials head here>>>

 

 

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Friday Five 15-17 October

Features Home, Latest from CK

Friday Five 15-17 October 2021

Need some entertainment inspiration this weekend? Fear not, as our fabulous Friday Five shortlist has landed for 15-17 October. Lots to see and do around London this weekend!

 

Pack your wellies and join Percy the Park Keeper for the outdoor theatrical Autumn Treasure Hunt at Chiswick House.
chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

 

As part of the Bloomsbury festival and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh, the British Library hosts a party with Bengali music, dance, food and outdoor film screenings.

Walk through autumnal landscapes in your search for the Big Bad Mouse at the Gruffalo’s Child trail at Kew Gardens.

Challenge your family to a drawing contest and find out who knows Tower Bridge the best, all from 42 metres above the river in the bridge’s walkway.

Top children’s entertainer Action Amanda is celebrating 30 years in business with a special party full of singing, dancing, games and even a few treats for the grown ups.

amandasactionclub.co.uk

For even more things to do this weekend and beyond, check out our What’s On guide>>>

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Godolphin and Latymer School wins award

Education, Features Home

West London school wins award for Outstanding Response to Covid-19

 

 

 

Godolphin and Latymer School in Hammersmith has won an award for its outstanding response to Covid-19. Presenting the award, the judges paid tribute to the school’s ‘inspiring community outreach activities – including the sector-leading Bridge programme – which provided an astonishing level of digital learning support to state primary and senior school partners during the depths of lockdown’.

During the pandemic Godolphin and Latymer stepped up its support for the wider community, particularly for local primary school pupils who continued with its Saturday morning outreach Bridge programme by logging-on remotely with iPads provided by the school. Its Higher Education University Subjects programme was relaunched as a series of 30 – 40-minute on-line lectures bringing together students virtually from local schools including West London Free School and Kensington Aldridge Academy.

Other community initiatives included supplying PPE to adult social care provider, Certitude, and the NHS Rapid Response Appeal, and raising over £9000 for NHS Charities Together. The school collected and donated food to the local Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank, Christmas gifts for the Salvation Army, and supported Ready Tech Go and Battersea Power Station and Wandsworth Council by donating used IT equipment, laptops and tablets for children who didn’t otherwise have access to the internet.

Head, Dr Frances Ramsey, congratulated the school community on receiving the award saying, ‘over the last eighteen months our students and staff have demonstrated great imagination, energy and commitment in supporting each other and the wider community’.

For more information:

The Godolphin and Latymer School, Hammersmith: godolphinandlatymer.com

 

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Peregrines and Falcons Awarded ‘Thinking School’ Status

Education, Features Home

Peregrines and Falcons Awarded ‘Thinking School’ Status

 

Peregrines Nursery and Falcons School for Girls have been awarded Thinking School status by the Graduate School of Education at the University of Exeter.

When Headmistress Sara Williams-Ryan came into post in 2018, she noticed pupils were reliant on staff to help rather than using their own initiative to solve problems and seek answers. This sparked the start of Falcons Girls’ Thinking School journey with the goal to change how our pupils approached their learning. As Williams-Ryan elaborates: “This approach uses a range of tools such as Thinking Frames, the Habits of Mind, Growth Mindset and Bloom’s Taxonomy. These tools equip children with the ability demonstrate independent and co-operative learning skills, high levels of achievement and enjoyment in learning.”

The school steadily embedded the Thinking School approach across all areas of learning, led by Assistant Head James Kelly, who commented: “It has been a delight to see the whole school, from Early Years up to Year 6, develop a range of metacognitive strategies and thinking tools to help support their learning over the last two years. From independently solving pastoral issues by being more reflective in their thoughts and actions, to showing flexible thinking and persistence when overcoming challenging tasks in lessons, our boys and girls are growing into life-long learners and leaders, ready for the demands of the fast changing world outside.”

In the accreditation report by University of Exeter’s Dr Dave Walters, Peregrines and Falcons are praised for their “full commitment to developing and embedding cognitive education throughout the school.” He describes the school as “a fine example of educational creativity where cognitive tools, strategies and resources are adapted to meet the specific needs of the entire learning community.”

The staff and parents responded positively to this new way of teaching and learning and parents have welcomed strategies such as the Habits of Mind, Zones of Regulation and Thinking Routines to help consolidate their children’s learning habits, both at home and at school.

Falcons School for Girls, incorporating co-educational Peregrines Nursery, is a preparatory school enjoying a quiet location within the leafy conservation area of Woodborough Road, Putney. It is a small, family school; the children are confident, cheerful and motivated, and the staff knowledgeable, kind and creative, with high expectations.

From the moment pupils join the school, they are encouraged to be academically ambitious, take responsibility for their behaviour and learning, and be curious, positive and resilient, qualities that will accompany them through life if embedded at a young age.

Reaching far beyond the national curriculum, the school strives to strengthen and enhance the pupils’ learning pathways and wellbeing through a balance of academic rigour, rich co-curricular opportunities and excellent pastoral care. The school has very clear academic goals, proven by a history of outstanding 11+ results.

For more information on Falcons School for Girls, call Chetna Kava, Admissions on Tel: 0208 992 5189 or email admissions@falconsgirls.co.uk

falconsgirls.co.uk

 

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How to achieve a calm bedtime routine

Blog, Book Reviews, Features Home, Latest from CK, Lifestyle, Parenting

The authors of a new bedtime story book share tips on how to achieve a calm bedtime routine

 

 

Christy Kirkpatrick, co-author of The Sleepy Pebble and Other Stories: Calming Tales to Read at Bedtime, talks to sleep expert Professor Alice Gregory about the importance of sleep and a calm bedtime routine.

I have always loved my sleep, but until I had children, I didn’t realise quite how much. With uninterrupted nights a distant memory, I began to long for early nights and long stretches of blissful, deep sleep.

I know that I’m not alone in this; the amount of sleep we get is discussed by parents and carers across the city. Alice Gregory Professor of Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, explains why. She tells me, ‘we spend around a third of our lives asleep, so evolutionarily this only makes sense if it’s incredibly important. Scientific research over the years has confirmed that this is the case. Sleep plays a big role in so many aspects of our lives, supporting our learning, memory, immune system and emotional regulation, to name just a few. It is also the case that pretty much every psychiatric disorder has been linked to the way we sleep.’ This might help to explain why parents and carers can find it hard when they don’t get enough sleep.

What I hadn’t realised, until Professor Gregory explained it to me, was how important sleep was, not only for adults, but for children, too. ‘If you look at recommendations for the amount of sleep that we should get at different stages of life, you will see a trend for this decreasing across the life course. Recommendations from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine state that children aged 1-2 years of old should get 11-14 hours sleep in a 24 hour period, which decreases to 8-10 hours during the teenage years (aged 13-18 years). (jcsm.aasm.org). Children need a lot of sleep because it is so important for their growth and development.’

So sleep appears to be important for children’s daytime functioning, but getting our children to sleep at a decent time in the evening can be easier said than done. Often, even though children are tired in the evening, they can find it hard to nod off. Some children find it hard to sleep because as soon as they close their eyes, they start to worry about school or other things that are on their minds. Other children find it hard to wind down after a playdate or activity they have been to. They may be excited by a movie they have watched, or game they have played. Their minds are racing, and it’s hard for them to become sleepy.

 

 

I ask Professor Gregory if there is anything that we can do to help children relax and unwind at bedtime. She tells me that there are a number of things ways we can help. According to Professor Gregory, one key thing we can do is to keep our children’s bedtime – and wake time – consistent. Our physiological processes are controlled by ‘clocks’ inside our bodies, so the timing of bedtime is important. However, she adds, we should only go to bed when we are tired, so it’s important not to make our children’s bedtime too early – in case they lie in bed awake for a long time (which should be avoided). We should adjust bedtime as our children grow older.

In addition, Professor Gregory advises keeping bedrooms cool and dark. She encourages us to ensure that our children’s bedrooms are calm, tranquil places to be – and electronics in the bedroom should be avoided. Professor Gregory explains that electronic devices can emit ‘blue light’ which is particularly disruptive to our bodies’ ability to secrete the hormone melatonin. Even when that is not the case, devices can emit noise or lead to excitement which can disrupt sleep.

Professor Gregory tells me that it is a good idea to think about our children’s diet too – and to avoid caffeine. Children are unlikely to be drinking coffee, but caffeine can be found in other food and drink such as cola and chocolate.

A bedtime routine is also important and bedtime stories can also play a part in helping children to relax at bedtime. It was for this reason that Professor Gregory, who is the author of Nodding Off: The Science of Sleep from Cradle to Grave (Bloomsbury, 2018), approached me with the idea of co-writing a book to help children relax at bedtime. I signed up straight away. I’m a children’s book writer with a background in publishing and loved the idea of co-writing a book that would make bedtime a little smoother for many families, including my own.

Professor Gregory explained that there had been emerging research to suggest that children could benefit from the same relaxation techniques as adults. Her idea was to embed some of those scientifically grounded techniques into a calming, beautifully illustrated book. She and I wrote a story called ‘The Sleepy Pebble’ and embedded three scientifically grounded sleep techniques in the story – imagery, muscle relaxation and mindfulness.

We then trialled the story with one hundred families with children aged between three and eleven years old. The results and feedback from the families were encouraging, and we wrote four more stories, all featuring characters from the natural world and all embedding those same relaxation techniques. We then published the book as The Sleepy Pebble and Other Stories: Calming Tales to Read at Bedtime (Flying Eye Books, 2019). The stories in the book all feature characters from the natural world along with calming illustrations, advice about how to use the book, tips about how to make bedtime more relaxing, and a question-and-answer section. We’ve been bowled over by the positive feedback since we published the book.

Now I know how important sleep is for children, I do my best to get my children to get a good night’s sleep. It’s not always straightforward, though, and The Sleepy Pebble and Other Stories has become my go-to book when I feel that our family needs a bit of a helping hand at bedtime.

The Sleepy Pebble and Other Stories: Calming Tales to Read at Bedtime (Flying Eye Books, 2019) can be bought from the publisher’s website and other retailers. To find out more, visit nobrow.net.

 

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Mental Health Resources

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Mental health resources for children, teens and parents

 

 

This year’s World Mental Health Day falls on 10th October and it’s theme is Mental Health in an Unequal World. Amongst the groups who statistically suffer more greatly with mental health issues are Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, refugees, asylum seekers, and as LGBT people. Add to this a global pandemic which has brought about new challenges, stresses and knock on effects and you’ll see many people affected by mental health problems. We may not know for a long time, the true impact of various lockdowns, changes to routines, general uncertainty and loss of education. Children have had to deal with huge change, lack of face-to-face socialisation and stimulation and some children are feeling lost, sad, low. It’s not always easy to spot so we’ve pulled together some mental health resources for children, teens and parents to access. 

The list below is for anyone that’s concerned about their child’s wellbeing, or indeed, those seeking to be proactive and learn about good mental health and creating good habits for life. We hope that this small variety of resources, available in a number of formats, are a good starting point. 

 

 

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City Kids Autumn Book Review

Book Reviews, Education, Features Home, Latest from CK, Parenting

As the effects of the pandemic continue, books can provide solace during an unsettling and challenging time. Here’s the City Kids autumn book review to keep children interested in the world at large, whether they are home or in school.

By @sharonfjones

Pre school

 

 

Book Hospital by Leigh Hodgkinson (Simon & Schuster) £6.99
In this cute story about loving books, we hear all about the adventures that books can take you on. But what happens when books are scribbled on, spilt on, chewed up and accidently ripped? They go to the Book Hospital, silly! There they are lovingly restored and returned to their owner ready to be enjoyed again. Leigh Hodginkison humorous illustrations guides us through the perils of being a book especially when the last page is missing…

 

 

When I See Red by Britta Teckentrup £10.99
Britta Teckentrup beautifully depicts anger, in this tale of a girl whose rage sweeps her away like a storm in a forest. Understanding this emotion can be difficult for children and this book shows the different sides to anger which can seem frightening or overwhelming, but also powerful if used in a positive way. Teckentrup’s bold illustrative style captures our heroine’s emotional journey in a way that is accessible to young readers who may recognise themselves when anger takes hold.

 

Primary

 

 

The Book of Labyrinths and Mazes by Silke Vry and Finn Dean – (Prestel) £14.99
An absolutely stunning book, packed full of stories and puzzles all about labyrinths and mazes from the past to the present. Full of historical facts, philosophy and stories from across the globe – it explains how labyrinths have been embedded in culture for centuries and why humans have been obsessed with creating them. Fascinating and visually engaging, this book will have you hot-footing it to Hampton Court to test out why we are scared yet excited by the idea of getting lost.

 

 

Interview with a Shark & Other Ocean Giants Too by Andy See and Nick East (Welbeck Children’s) £9.99
This funny and informative book goes on the premise of a scuba diver who invents a machine which allows him to talk to animals, even ones that live underwater. He interviews the great and the good of the sea world, finding out fascinating facts about their lives, including a manta ray (who is six metres wide), blue whale (who is as heavy as 25 elephants), octopus (favourite book – Diary of a Wimpy Squid) but also enlightens readers that all his guests are endangered and with some simple steps they too can help look after the planet. Perfect for young animal lovers who love humour.

 

Secondary

 


Wildlord by Philip Womack (Little Island Books) £7.99
If you’re looking for a gripping adventure with a supernatural edge, this is just the ticket. When orphan Tom Swinton receives a mysterious letter from an uncle he didn’t know he had asking him to visit his Suffolk farm because ‘It is time for you to see, time for you to understand’ he cannot help but be intrigued. When he arrives Tom soon senses a feeling of foreboding and quickly realises he is far from alone – dangerous beings occupy the surrounding woods and the farm has secrets which hold the key to his parents death. A page turner from start to finish.

 

 

Allies by Shakirah Bourne & Dana Alison Levy (DK) £12.99
Everyone needs an ally and this is a fitting book for the times we currently live in. 17 bestselling YA authors talk about what allyship means and how to show up for underrepresented groups, be that friends or strangers. These powerful accounts of racism and disability may make for an uncomfortable read, but they also give the opportunity for self-reflection, as well as ideas for action. Some of the proceeds of this book will go to The Black Curriculum.

 

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Read our new Autumn issue!

Education, Features Home, Latest from CK, Lifestyle, Parenting

The wait is over. Our new Autumn issue with Schools Supplement in association with The Good Schools Guide is out now!

 

 

 

And what an issue it is. Click the image to read cover to cover for the ultimate guide for the Autumn. As ever, our What’s On guide is packed with family events to add to your diary. Jo Pratt has written a warming Autumn recipe to see us through the cooler days plus we’ve Halloween decor for the tricksiest parties at the end of October. Didn’t get away this year? We’ve got some trips of a lifetime outlined in our travel pages, plus the podcasts to listen to while you’re on the flight. And Contrary to popular belief, Sophie Clowes uncovers the revelation that children and parents are happier when they spend time together outdoors…it’s a must read. We’ve autumn fashion and woodland themed interiors, plus Beverley Turner’s take on parental judgement. The best news is saved until last though as we celebrate our new partnership with The Good Schools Guide inside our Schools Supplement. Experts share their wisdom on state schools, getting back to routine and the all-through school model, as well providing key information on primary, secondary, boarding and day schools within our directory. What are you waiting for? Click the cover to read our new autumn issue now!

 

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CHOOSE LYCÉE WINSTON CHURCHILL

Education, Features Home, Latest from CK
Sponsored post

Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill: the first choice school for international families in London

 

 

With 100% success on all exams and graduates admitted to the most prestigious and sought after universities in the world, Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill offers a perfect balance between academic rigour and innovation. Its guiding philosophy places the needs of each child at the heart of the educational experience, welcoming every student into a dynamic and caring international community. It’s no wonder it’s the first choice school of international families.

A remarkable 100% of our graduating class in 2021 passed with excellent marks. Our IB Diploma school’s average grade is 35.8/45 which is well above the world average of 33.02/45, and 88% of our French Baccalaureat students passed with honours including 43% with highest honours.

Below are a few messages the school received:

“We were thrilled by our daughter’s excellent results at the IB!! She has met her conditions for her first choice and we are so happy for her.Thank you again for all your support!” (LIL parent)

Thank you so much for your help throughout those two years for both my education and well-being!” (LIL student)

“Excellent results for our first cohort! They have set the bar high!” Our students can be proud of what they have accomplished!  (LIL teacher)

Unlike local schools taught in a single language that can tie students to a national curriculum and restrict their future options elsewhere, Lycée Churchill offers programs that open educational avenues. The school has also been classified as “outstanding” by Ofsted, Britain’s educational standards office, for secondary education and student wellbeing.

Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill is a co-ed independent non-selective bilingual school located on a leafy two-hectare campus in North London.  The school accommodates 850 students aged 3 to 18 and offers two bilingual programs, both aiming to develop every child into a forward-thinking, principled, and joyful world citizen.

Language immersion begins at 3 years old. Classes are taught jointly by native speakers of French and English, both present at all times — like two parents in a multilingual household. This more natural and organic approach to bilingualism is carried out by highly trained early learning specialists in a nurturing and family-like environment.

In the Primary section, instruction is half in English, half in French from Year 1/GSM to Year 6/CM2. Each class meets every day with French-speaking and English-speaking teachers, who coordinate as well with specialty teachers in subjects such as PE, language, and music.

In Secondary, families choose between the French bilingual program accredited by the Ministry of National Education, leading to the Baccalauréat, or an English-oriented track leading to the IB Diploma. The only constant is that education remains bilingual until the age of 18, steeped in the supportive atmosphere for which the Lycée is known.

With students from 45 countries and teachers of 29 different nationalities, the Lycée offers an international environment where the diversity of families from cultures around the world encourages dialogue. Its modern teaching ethos combines traditional disciplines with initiative, exploration, critical thinking, teamwork, and personal development.

Lycee Churchill takes full advantage of the latest educational technologies, which are thoughtfully and securely integrated into education and everyday school life. This solid digital foundation proved to be a major asset during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Lycée pivoted seamlessly to online learning. The school now offers distance education programs and virtual classes for students joining our French programme leading to the Baccalauréat, a boon for families who are moving between assignments or looking for quality education from a remote setting.

To book a private visit, write to admissions@lyceeinternational.london or alternatively, visit the school’s website at www.lyceeinternational.london and register to attend  one of our next virtual  open day.

 

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WILD SWIMMING

Features, Features Home, Latest from CK, Parenting

Sophie Clowes steps into the wild to give us a taste of swimming outdoors, whatever the weather, wherever you are

 

 

Everybody seems to be doing it. Finding spots outside in rivers, lakes, lidos and the sea to take part in a bit of wild swimming. Sophie Clowes tells us how she got the bug, and shares some incredibly useful advice on kit, books and Instagram accounts to follow before you dip your toe in the water.

 

It is a rainy lunchtime on a school day. It is also May 2020, and the country is in tight lockdown. Our children are trying their best with school at home, as are we. We are all tired and fractious and it’s difficult to know quite how to arrange our thoughts, how to focus, how to be. So, we say to hell with it and go for a family swim in a downpour. In the Thames. We laugh and splash and shiver with unalloyed delight, retuning our senses and resetting our focus so we are ready for another afternoon of lonely grind.

A year later, no more than a week has gone by without one or more of us easing ourselves into the swirling water of a high tide and being taken downstream by the swooshing current, braving the cold in just our swimmers. A punctuation mark in the sentence of lockdown, we’ve swum against the flow, we’ve squealed at the cold, had a quick dip, gone miles, swum at dawn and dusk and all the daylight hours between, double dipped, made friends both human and feathered, watched the seasons change and felt the water temperature dip to 2.2*C from the 20+*C of the hot summer months. We have delighted in this pulsing watery artery that helps keep the heart of our wondrous capital beating fast.

Swimming is many things to many people but more than anything else it is redemptive. There is a time and a place for every type of swim, from a squad session in a chlorinated indoor pool to a floaty holiday dip in a warm, salty ocean. I have tried them all, indeed searched for swims wherever I have been in the world. And yet, all this time one of the best pools has been right on my doorstep and I didn’t know I could go in, outside an official swim.

Getting in the river is a simple pleasure that is different every single time. The tide and current generously swoosh us along, faster than I could go at full-stroke crawl. It’s a clearing of the mind, it’s physiological experimenting, it’s discovering my body can adapt to withstand an ice swim (any water below 5*C, apparently), it’s soul food, it’s literally immersing ourselves in nature. It’s family time – we usually swim breaststroke and have had wonderful chats and laughs as we float along. It’s the slow familiarity of the tide times and the lunar cycle. It’s the unexpected and welcome increase in constant core warmth out of the water. It’s the temporary stinging cold, the visceral feel of the after-drop when it is as if icy water is slipping down your body’s core – a not unpleasant feeling and one that is as surprising as it is fascinating, in a geeky way. Swimming in the river is also contradictory: cleansing yet dirty-ish, cold-making yet glow-giving, exhausting yet energising. It reflects all the whirling variants of life. It is joy.

Is it allowed? Isn’t it too dangerous? Isn’t it too dirty? I have thought long and hard about all of this and tend to keep quiet about our swimming unless specifically asked. However, in this wonky year, when our health, emotions and finances have been buffeted like never before, I have come to the conclusion that the wonders and restorative powers of this beautiful stretch of water should be shared, leaving people to draw their own conclusions.

Who owns the Thames? The Crown Estate owns the river bed and leases most of it to the Port of London Authority (PLA) which is responsible for the foreshore right up to the high water mark. And yes, just as rowing boats, kayaks and SUPs can use it, so can swimmers, provided you do so at your own risk, taking every precaution to keep safe.

 

 

Of course swimming in the river is dangerous but, with a bit of knowledge, many of those dangers can be mitigated. We have come up with our own set of family swim rules, alongside those of the RNLI… We always walk into the water from a set of steps or slipway and we never go in without a swimming hat on and wearing a tow float. These both have personal practical benefits but, above all, they show you are in the water deliberately and are visible to other river users. We have discovered that the best time to swim is either side of high tide, in the direction of the tide. You must know your exact exit point before you get in, plus a second one in case you miss the first (we haven’t yet). Keep close to the bank, never attempt to swim across the river and remember it is your responsibility to ensure other river users know you are there. You should also know the significance of the red and green buoys, and, therefore, which side of the river boats will be on. Rowers go backwards and, however silly you think you sound shouting, “Look ahead, eight, swimmer!”, it’s going to be less awkward than being hit by an oar. I do swim alone but I always have someone on the bank for reassurance.

Tide times shift by about an hour each day and I find elemental comfort in following the waxing and waning of the moon and a slow accrual of tidal knowledge. Swimming in the river is a choice and with it you must choose to politely sidestep the naysayers and, in my case, the mansplainers. For that’s another joy of river swimming – it is there for everyone and is wonderfully equalizing. Which fits very neatly with a quote I found about equality itself, most notably used by JFK, “Equality is a rising tide that lifts all boats.” Oh, how I like that.

‘Ugh, it’s filthy!’ This is the one element that I waver on. Only once have I got in and thought that it wasn’t as clean as it should be. In reality, the water mostly feels cold and velvety and there is very little rubbish – it is fallen leaves or fishy tickles that make me jump.

What’s the worst that has happened? Well, I got out one day and felt a wriggling in my cleavage. I pulled my cossie away from my chest and found that I had actually caught a teeny tiny fish! Did I squeal? Of course I did! Did my children exit the river faster than ever? Yup! I flipped it out and it swam away…

We try not to put our heads under but on a hot sunny day we do. At a time of fear and uncertainty the ebb and flow of the river is a comforting salve, for nature continues on her merry way, changing her clothing with the seasons and the certainty that the blossom and green shoots will come again and that the ducklings and goslings will hatch is of great comfort.

Every swim is a little adventure that is full of beauty. Some days it’s choppy and feels like a sea swim, other days it’s like glass and you swim into the reflection. Often it feels like we slough off the day’s woes and come out of the river reborn in some way. There is something spiritual about being held by the water and there is thinking time on a swim. It is a physical and meditative practice with therapeutic qualities; less so with our children, of course, with whom it is a noisier, funnier affair. No two swims are ever the same, which in times of drudgery and monotony is an opportunistic pleasure that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. You never regret a swim, especially a lunchtime one in the pouring rain.

London swim spots

Please respect and protect your swim environment and know that you enter at your own risk. Please also be aware that lidos, lakes and pools might have number and time restrictions due to Covid.

The Thames. We have never swum further east than Dove Pier or further west than Strand-on-the-Green. Please be aware that there are sewage dumps in the Thames. Information is available online and rivers users are advised to wait at least three tides for the pollution to clear.

The Serpentine – membership to swim year round in the early morning, including the famous Christmas Day swim; pay as you go in the summer months. This is the oldest outdoor swimming club in Britain (royalparks.org.uk).

Hampstead Ponds (cityoflondon.gov.uk)

Docklands (loveopenwater.co.uk)

Hillingdon Lido (better.org.co.uk)

Brockwell Lido (brockwelllido.com)

Park Road Lido, Crouch End (fusion-lifestyle.com)

Shepperton –specific days only (sheppertonopenwaterswim.co.uk)

Hampton outdoor pool (hamptonpool.co.uk)

Kit

Tow float – a 20lt one is perfect for your own kit, 28lt if you’ve got to take your children’s stuff, too, or if your mission involves snacks! Swim Secure is a great brand.

Phone cover – Swim Secure again. I’ve never tested it outside of my tow float.

Shoes – for river swimming I can’t recommend Hot Tuna shoes from Sports Direct highly enough. You can’t feel you’re wearing them but you can put your feet down without suffering a case of the scaries and you can walk quite far in them too. All for a tenner. They won’t keep your feet warm – for that you need neoprene booties.

Gloves – 3ml neoprene gloves will save you from frostnip in the colder months and help you stay in longer.

Swim hat – for visibility above all else. Silicone ones will keep you warmer and are less hairpullingly sticky. Zogs, Arena or Speedo are the regular makes. Or, for some floral frippery, try a retro one such as FineSaratoga on Etsy.

Hammam towel – lightweight, pretty, and wearable, too, they also make an excellent rug or changing mat and dry superfast in the sun. Try Dar Leone (dar-leone.com) or Bohemia (bohemiadesign.co.uk).

Body glide – excellent for preventing wetsuit chafing.

Wetsuit – Fit is everything with a wetsuit. Go to a real-life specialist shop: try Sigma Sports in Hampton Wick or Ocean Leisure at the bottom of Northumberland Avenue. Good brands are Zone 3, Huub or Orca. (They are not cheap. They are cheap next to the price of a road bike.) It will feel like it is sucking the life out of you but once in the water your fears of having bought a too-small one will evaporate. Wetsuit technology is hugely advanced but these are for crawl only – you will damage your knees if you try to swim breaststroke in a hi-tech tri wetsuit.

For growing kids, ask friends for hand-me-downs. Otherwise, C-skins is an excellent make and will keep little bodies warm and buoyant.

Costumes – My 14-year-old utilitarian Speedo costume is still going strong! It goes in the river, the sea, a chlorinated pool and in the washing machine, it dries in the sun or on the radiator, hasn’t bagged, shrunk or thinned. It doesn’t give me a hungry bottom, is long enough in the torso, high enough on the legs and fits under a wetsuit with ease. But, frankly, I’d love something a little more whimsy without forfeiting the performance element. The hunt is on. You can spend anything from £20 to £220, neither guaranteeing a suit that will last more than a summer but here’s where to look…

Louise Mischa on en.smallable.com (bet you get distracted…)

Batoko.com

Deakinandblue.com

Davyj.org

Speedo.com

Supermarkets

Sports Direct

Books and films

Leap in by Alexandra Heminsley. Her description of learning to breathe correctly in the water by watching her young nephew blowing raspberries with his food is technically spot on!

I am an island by Tamsin Calidas. This is extremely raw but beautiful writing.

My Octopus Teacher – this Oscar-winning documentary touches yet again on the redemptive power of cold water. And has an underwater chase scene to rival Bond.

Instagram

@theoutdoorswimmingsociety

@caldamac

@lewis.pugh

@gillymcarthur

@ellachloeswims

@hemmograms

@lorrainecandy

@winniepoaty

@vivgroskop

@kate_rew

 

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MINI GUIDE TO EDUCATION IN SURREY

Education, Features Home, Latest from CK

The City Kids Mini Guide to Education in Surrey

 

Image: Frensham Heights School

In our second look at life outside London, we head to Surrey. For the purposes of our mini guide to education in Surrey, we’ll be looking beyond London outskirts, into the heart of the county, so you won’t find Richmond, Kingston or nearby within this guide. But with some pretty market towns, great transport connections and wonderful schools you’ll be hard pressed to make a decision on where to visit first.

Where to Live

Surrey is an easy move out of town if you already live in South and South West London. The Sunday Times named Surrey Hills as the best place to live in the SE in early 2021 with property editor Helen Davies commenting,”With miles of ancient woodlands, panoramic views and timeless, picture-perfect villages such as Tilford, Shere and Abinger Hammer, life in the Surrey Hills is a gloriously romantic rural idyll – and it’s all within commuting distance of London.” Commuting is easy with trains from Surrey almost all under one hour to Waterloo, London Victoria and London Bridge.  There’s also the Thames Link to Blackfriars, Farringdon and St Pancras from Redhill. Some lines (Dorking) aren’t as quick as the others, and be mindful of Heathrow and Gatwick flight paths. Schools, both state private are plentiful.

Guildford

With its own cathedral, this city has history in abundance including a castle whose Great Tower offers great views across the county. The train takes 40 minutes to Waterloo and Victoria and you’ll happily get to London in half an hour by car. The historic High Street boasts a mix of independent and national stores, plus a regular farmers’ market on Tuesdays. On the outskirts of town you’ll find Surrey Sports Park with facilities for netball, football, swimming, squash and a climbing wall. Schools of note include the Royal Grammar School for boys, Tormead and St Catherine’s for girls. The state school offering is also good, with Pewley Down  and Stoughton being of note (OFSTED outstanding).

Dorking

A range of property type and price, good schools and pretty countryside make Dorking ever popular. Denbies wine estate is round the corner for tasting, buying and soaking up the views. There’s also the South Street Caves, a series of tunnels under the town, dug in the 17th century. If you’re after a good pub, try The Running Horses in nearby Mickleham. Train times to London are slightly longer (one hour). One of town’s most famous residents is the Dorking Cock.

Leatherhead

There are schools-a-plenty in Leatherhead, many of which are outstanding. It’s well connected by road and rail to Victoria and Waterloo in under an hour. Chessington World of Adventures is down the road but if you’re more of the arty type you’re in luck with several galleries and arts festivals in the town. And don’t miss Beaverbrook. Former home to Lord Beaverbrook is now a boutique hotel with a Japanese restaurant to die for.

Godalming

Home to world-famous Charterhouse, Godalming is also a very pretty, historic town with records going back to Roman times. It’s surrounded by beautiful countryside and boasts some great pubs like The Inn on the Lake. The Yard Market is a great shopping spot for unique finds and for supporting small local businesses. Fastest trains to Waterloo in 39 minutes.

Woking

With fast trains to London, this is a commuter’s dream. But there’s more to Woking than you think. Local markets, a bustling town centre, a relaxing canal and Horsell Common ensure there’s enough for busy bees and those who want a slower pace. One of the greenest buildings in the UK houses WWF Living Planet Centre sharing knowledge on  forests, fresh water, wildlife and oceans.

Weybridge

This town mixes river life with cafe culture, pubs and history. The birthplace of British motorsport in Brooklands, National Trust walks, humungous houses on St George’s Hill, and quality restaurants and cafes mean this is a popular spot for London leavers. For family days out try Crockford Bridge Farm.

Farnham

Dating back to the Middle Ages, Farnham also has remains of Stone Age, Roman and Saxon dwellings. There is a range of indie boutiques as well as recognisable high street names alongside pubs, cafes and restaurant chains. Trains take under an hour to Waterloo.

 

Things to do in Surrey

Cycling – Box Hill was firmly put on the map after London 2021 –  and golf are very popular with plenty of routes and courses across the county. And there are beautiful parks to spend some time outdoors including Polesden Lacey, Loseley Park, RHS Wisley, Clandon Park, Virginia Water.

Frensham Ponds is also a popular destination, particularly on hot days for a dip. Check the water quality before you go.

Horse racing at Sandown, Kempton Park and Epsom through the summer months is fun, and keep an eye out for family race days which provide lots of entertainment for the little ones.

Chessington and Thorpe Park both fall within Surrey’s boundaries

Bockett’s Farm has been a firm CK favourite for years, and you can happily spend the day there, rain or shine.

 

Education in Surrey

State*

Primary

South Farnham School, South Farnham
New Haw Community Junior School, Addlestone
St Dunstan’s Catholic Primary School, Woking
St Alban’s Catholic Primary School, East Molesey
The Raleigh School, West Horsley
Wonersh and Shamley Green CofE Aided Primary School, Guildford
Wallace Fields Junior School, Ewell
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Dorking
Town Farm Primary School & Nursery, Stanwell
St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Frimley

Secondary

St John the Baptist Catholic Comprehensive School, Kingfield
St Peter’s Catholic School, Guildford
Salesian School, Chertsey
Rosebery School, Epsom
All Hallows Catholic School, Farnham
Gordon’s School, West End
Weydon School, Farnham
St Andrew’s Catholic School, Leatherhead
Heathside School, Weybridge
St Bede’s School, Redhill

Independent Schools

Surrey is blessed with some outstanding private schools. We’ve picked some for our mini guide that have caught our eye recently. For in-depth reviews and information The Good Schools Guide has the inside track.

Pre-prep & Prep

Frensham Heights

frensham.org – 3-18 yrs, day and boarding

Frensham Heights Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4EA

+44 (0) 1252 792 561 hello@frensham.org

Find out more about the ethos and facilities at Frensham Heights School here.

 

Aldro School – Boys 7-13yrs day & boarding (girls will be admitted from September 2021)
aldro.org
Shackleford, Godalming, GU8 6AS
01483 810266

Claremont Fan Court School – co-ed 2-18yrs, day
claremontfancourt.co.uk
Esher, KT10 9LY
01372 473780

Cranleigh Preparatory School – co-ed 7-13yrs day & boarding
cranprep.org
Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, GU6 8QH
01483 542 058

Danes Hill School – co-ed 3-13yrs, day
Daneshillprepschool.com
Leatherhead Road, Oxshott, KT22 0JG
01372 842509

Downsend School – co-ed, 3-13yrs, day
downsend.co.uk
1 Leatherhead Road, Leatherhead KT22 8TJ
01372 372197

Edgeborough – co-ed 2-13yrs, day & boarding
edgeborough.co.uk
Frensham, Farnham, GU10 3AH
01252 792495

Feltonfleet School – co-ed 7-13 yrs (plus nursery and pre-prep) day & boarding
feltonfleet.co.uk
Byfleet Road, Cobham, KT11 1DR
01932 862264

Parkside School – boys 7-13yrs, day
parkside-school.co.uk
The Manor, Stoke d’Abernon, KT11 3PX
01932 862749

Notre Dame Prep School – girls 4-11yrs, day
notredame.co.uk
Burwood House , Convent Lane, KT11 1HA
01932 869990

St Catherine’s, Bramley – girls 4-11yrs, day & boarding
stcatherines.info
Station Road, Bramley, GU5 0DF
01483 893363

St George’s Junior School – co-ed 4-11yrs, day
stgeorgesweybridge.com
Thames Street , Weybridge, KT13 8NL
01932 839400

Woodcote House School – boys 7-13yrs, day & boarding
woodcotehouseschool.co.uk
Windlesham, GU20 6PF
01276 472 115

Senior

ACS International, Cobham – co-ed day 2-18yrs, day & boarding
acs-schools.com
Portsmouth Road, KT11 1BL
01923 867 251

Charterhouse – co-ed 13-18yrs, boarding
charterhouse.org.uk
Hurtmore Road, Godalming, GU7 2DX
01483 291500

Cranleigh School – co-ed 13-18yrs day & boarding
cranleigh.org
Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, GU6 8QH
01483 542 058

Notre Dame Senior School – girls 11-18yrs, day
notredame.co.uk
Burwood House , Convent Lane, KT11 1HA
01932 869990

Reed’s School – boys 11-18yrs, co-ed 6th form, day & boarding
reeds.surrey.sch.uk
Sandy Lane, Cobham, KT11 2ES
01932 869044

Royal Grammar School – boys 11-18yrs, day
rgsg.co.uk
High Street, GU1 3BB
01483 880600

St Catherine’s, Bramley – girls 11-18yrs, day & boarding
stcatherines.info
Station Road, Bramley, GU5 0DF
01483 893363

St John’s School – co-ed 11-18yrs, day & boarding
stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk
Epsom Road, Leatherhead, KT22 8SP
01372 373000

Sutton High School GDST – girls 11-18yrs, day
suttonhigh.gdst.net
55 Cheam Road, SM1 2AX
020 8642 0594

TASIS, The American School in England – co-ed 3-18yrs
Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, TW20 8TE
tasisengland.org
01932 565 252

Tormead School – girls 11-18yrs, day
tormeadschool.org.uk
Cranley Road, Guildford, GU1 2JD
01483 575101

Useful resources:

goodschoolsguide.co.uk

surreycc.gov.uk

 

*Top 10 rated state schools by The Real Schools Guide in 2020.

Click here for our Mini Guide to Berkshire

 

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Football Clubs & Classes

Education, Features Home, Latest from CK, Lifestyle, Parenting

 

Image: Jakayla Toney

The City Kids guide to Football Clubs and Classes in London

 

Football fever will hit new heights in England as even those usually not interested will be glued to the box on Sunday night. As with all feel-good sporting occasions, there’s usually an upsurge in interest from parents and kids after the event, so we’ve put together a guide to football clubs and classes for kids in London. Some start for little ones as young as 18 months, while others offer those who already have silky skills the knowledge and expertise to take their game to the next level.

 

KIDDIKICKS

kiddikicks.co.uk

18m+

Twickenham, Teddington, Richmond, Brentford, Kensington, Kilburn, Stratford, Hackney, Stoke Newington, Leyton

 

PRO ELITE 

From 18m

Enfield, Winchmore Hill, Southgate, Cockfosters, Barnet and Whetstone

efacademy.co.uk

 

LITTLE KICKERS

littlekickers.co.uk

From 18m

London-wide

 

LITTLE FOXES CLUB

thelittlefoxesclub.com

From 18m

London-wide

 

WILL TO WIN

willtowin.co.uk

6-14yrs

Lammas Park, Ealing

 

FOOTBALL MAGIC

footballmagiccoaching.co.uk

Regular training, girls only, fitness, goalkeeping skills and holiday camps

3-14yrs

Dulwich & Bromley

 

SAMBA SOCCER SCHOOLS

sambasoccerschools.com

4-12yrs

Battersea, Chelsea, Fulham, Haggerston, Kings Cross, Hammersmith, London Bridge, Marylebone, Roehampton, Southfields, Wandsworth, Waterloo, Peckham, Shepherds Bush, Acton.

 

PDA FOOTBALL

pdafootball.co.uk

1 to 1 training for beginners or those wanting to improve their game.

Various locations

 

LITTLE STRIKERS

littlestrikers9.com

Weekly classes and holiday clubs.

18m to 6yrs

Clissold Park

 

SPORTY MINIS

sportyminis.com

Girls football from 4-8yrs, boys football 5-11yrs.

Colliers Wood, Tooting

 

PRIMROSE HILL SOCCER ACADEMY

primrosehillsocceracademy.co.uk

Boys and girls 3-14yrs, holiday camps and 1 to 1 training.

Primrose Hill

 

JACK WILSHERE’S NCF ELITES

ncfelites.com

Pathway to professional football. Ex-Premier League players part of the set up. Trial required.

 

CHELSEA SOCCER SCHOOLS

chelseasoccerschools.co.uk

Holiday clubs/soccer schools and weekly clinics for all abilities, plus player pathway to academy level.

 

QPR SOCCER SCHOOLS

qprsoccerschools.co.uk

Holiday soccer schools for 3-14yrs, weekly schools for girls and boys aged 5-11yrs, girls only 7-11yrs and mini superstars 3-4yrs.

Shepherds Bush, Hayes

 

FULHAM SOCCER SCHOOLS

fulhamfc.com

Holiday camps 3-14yrs, weekly clubs for boys and girls.

Bishops Park, Kingston, Epsom

 

WE MAKE FOOTBALLERS

wemakefootballers.com

4-12yrs mixed ability

Twickenham, Richmond, Chiswick, Isleworth, Heston, Hounslow, Kingston, Sunbury, Hayes, Southall, Osterley

 

 

FRENSHAM HEIGHTS

Education, Features Home, Parenting
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Discover Frensham Heights

 

 

Frensham Heights is a highly distinctive school in a world of educational conformity. We welcome students from the age of 3 to 18 (boarders from age 11) and we give them the tools and importantly, the confidence and self-belief to succeed in their education and in life, helping them to extend their abilities and exceed their own expectations.


Founded in 1925, we are today one of the most successful progressive schools in the UK, with 42% A*/A grades (15% A* alone) achieved at A Level and 43% Grades 9-7 at GCSE in 2020. Our Junior School is equally successful, giving children a secure and happy learning environment as well as access to extensive facilities and stunning grounds rarely seen in a prep school.

 

 

 

But a Frensham education is much, much more than just following the curriculum and sitting tests or exams. We will stretch your children, but we will also support them simply to be the very best version of themselves that they can be. We will feed their imaginations, expect them to ask questions, listen to them, encourage them to pursue their own answers and help them to grow into confident, generous, and happy young adults.

 

 

The magic that is Frensham is hard to put into words. We allow children simply to be children and allow them to stay that way for as long as they want. We accept that sometimes they get it wrong and work with them to help them make better choices next time. We value and encourage individuality – it is what makes Frensham so special.

To find out more, look at  www.frensham.org or email hello@frensham.org to arrange a visit.

 

 

 

RIPPLE LEARNING

Education, Features Home, Parenting
Sponsored post

Ripple Learning powers positive social change through its private tuition programme

 

 

The upheaval of the last year has had a profound effect on children’s learning. Whilst we are all relieved to return to some semblance of normality, we know that getting their child’s education back on track is a priority for most parents.

But how can we ensure that we’re supporting students to achieve their true potential whilst also maintaining compassion and empathy for what they have been through – aiming to cultivate their curiosity, rather than stifle it in the bid to getting them back on track?

Ripple Learning was created with this in mind.

Ripple’s founder, Jamie Sayer, was Head of Client Services at a West London private tuition agency when the pandemic began last year.

“It was unsurprisingly a turbulent time. Not only did we have to move tutors and students to online learning as seamlessly as possible, but exams were in flux across the board – so we made sure to be on hand to help parents navigate the changing situation.

While challenging, it was really rewarding to see it pay off – the kids were brilliant in the resilience they showed, and the parents were very grateful for how it all turned out.”

Unfortunately not everyone fared quite as well, and it has been well-documented that the pandemic has disproportionately affected the attainment of low-income students. Jamie wanted to use his experience in the sector to deliver high-quality, inspiring private tuition which could also make a positive social impact.

Ripple Learning is therefore a private tuition company with a bold and unique difference: we donate 40% of profit to charities working with low-income students in the UK. In doing so, we hope that our reach – a reach that all of our parents, students, and tutors contribute to – can extend far beyond the students directly in front of us.

Our mission has attracted applications from an array of highly qualified tutors and teachers who want to contribute to the cause. We have therefore had the freedom to be very selective about our tutors and to pass on that quality and choice to our clients.

“I wanted Ripple’s approach to be one of compassion, understanding and empathy – as a tutor myself, I know that by understanding a child’s personality and learning style we can match them to the tutor who will bring out the best in them”.

We work closely with parent and tutor from the outset, so that we can create a bespoke learning plan for each child. We emphasise the importance of curiosity and critical thinking, while also working in unison towards the next milestone – whether that’s GCSEs, A Levels or selective school entrance exams like the 11+.

Ripple is booking now for 1-to-1 tuition over Summer, with tutors also booking up quickly for the new academic year in September. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your child’s needs and see how we can help!

 

And to ensure that you are entirely happy with the tutor we match you with – the first session is free.

To book contact:

07723 214148

info@ripplelearning.co.uk

ripplelearning.co.uk

 

 

BENEFITS OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

Blog, Education, Features Home

Nine Benefits of International Education for Students

 

 

We’ve often wondered about international schools as we know it’s not just international students who attend. We asked Christina Adamopoulou from The American School in England (TASIS) to give us her thoughts on the benefits of an international education.

 

In today’s global and interconnected world, schools and universities play a vital role in equipping students for their future as global citizens. Many families are not only looking for the best learning opportunities for their children in their local area; they are also looking for a school that will enhance their children’s learning experience and provides them with an international-mindedness that will stay with them throughout their lives.

You might be an internationally mobile expatriate family that is relocating to another country. Perhaps you are looking for a different option than the local school offering the national curriculum. Or you might be a student looking to broaden your horizons, improve your language skills, enhance your learning experience by studying abroad. In all of these cases, international education has a lot to offer.

What is international education?

The criteria for an international education offered by the International Baccalaureate® (IB) might be summarized as a “…comprehensive approach to education that intentionally prepares students to be active and engaged participants in an interconnected world.” This approach to teaching and learning incorporates a global perspective by providing several different views of the same topic or learning experience.

1. Learn or master a language

Studying abroad or in an international school accelerates fluency in speaking, reading, and writing a foreign language by providing students with the opportunity to hone their language skills in the classroom and through interaction with their multilingual peers. International schools may offer a bilingual program or a wide variety of languages taught through their curriculum. Students can not only become fluent in more than one language but will also be academically prepared for future study in another language.

2. Experience different styles of education

Most international schools offer curricula that are recognized around the world, however, each country has its own education system. Moved out of their “comfort zone,” students are helped to adapt within a new but supportive learning environment. This early experience will serve them well in the future by making them more versatile in the workplace, with the confidence to meet new challenges and the ability to adjust to different management styles.

3. Learn about other cultures and perspectives

An international experience allows students to expand their worldview and develop cross-cultural awareness and international-mindedness by enhancing their understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and views.

By interacting with peers and teachers with different backgrounds and upbringing, students will begin to value each one’s unique story and develop a more holistic approach to life’s experiences, both at school and in the future. Understanding and appreciating the diversity of cultures and perspectives worldwide helps students become compassionate, open-minded, global citizens who can lead change in the world.

International education promotes a healthy questioning of personal beliefs, and the influence of their own culture and upbringing. It helps students create and maintain bonds with others who may be from a different culture. Students learn to value the diverse contributions of others as they hone their problem-solving and communication skills. The development of self-confidence, self-awareness and an enhanced ability to adapt to diverse environments and perspectives will provide them with long-term benefits.

4. Develop a global network of life-long friends and connections

Both in and out of the classroom, an international education experience enables students to develop friendships and build lasting relationships with the entire school community and beyond.

Developing and maintaining a network of friendships or professional relationships with people from all over the world is undoubtedly a life-enriching experience that will stay with students forever. The wider the network, the greater the likelihood that students will be exposed to exciting career and social opportunities.

5. Discover the world

International education offers a wide range of exciting experiences to see and understand the world through travel, engagement with schools from other countries, and connections with people from around the world.

International schools often develop academic travel programs as an integral part of their curriculum, enabling students to experience a new country and culture. International schools may be connected to and engage with other schools globally, offering opportunities to interact with their linked communities. Organized events celebrating different customs, cuisines, holidays, and more are part of daily school life. Exposure to these activities is intrinsic to an international student’s development.

6. Impress universities and future employers

Universities and employers highly value experience in international environments as they search for candidates with transferable learning skills and the ability to collaborate.

According to figures from a study by the Institute of International Education (IIE-Abroad Survey) and the University of California, between 90% and 95% of students with an international education found work in their sector within the six months following their graduation.

Students can use their international school experience to demonstrate to future employers that they have the open mind, adaptability, resourcefulness, and drive needed in an ever-changing work environment. These attributes improve employability and give a competitive edge in the workforce.

7. Identify opportunities for leadership development and community service

Through co-curricular activities, academic travel programs, and community service initiatives, international schools offer a vast array of opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and contribute to society, locally and globally. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge and talents to make an impact and lead change.

8. Interact with faculty and staff with a global perspective

International schools are usually rich with teachers and staff from all over the world. At TASIS England, for example, over 30 languages are spoken on campus. Students’ learning is enhanced by the different perspectives that each member of the faculty and staff brings.

9. Be part of a truly diverse community

The lives of students and their families are enhanced through engagement with an international community that nurtures global understanding, compassion, and a curiosity to learn about different cultures. While nearly 60 countries are represented at TASIS England, the community comes together to welcome newcomers and help them make the transition to a school that provides students and families with an experience that is as inclusive as it is diverse.

Why is international education important?

Recent data gathered by ISC Research revealed a growing global trend for international education. As of January 2019, there were 10,282 international schools with 5.36 million students, and 503,000 staff members around the world. A demand for a “Western-style” education and the increasing prominence of the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge Assessment system means the education landscape globally is undergoing a progressive transformation.

More and more, families are embracing international education to enrich their children’s lives by exposing them to a multicultural learning environment that fosters understanding, promotes an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, and supports positive change in the world.

The TASIS England mission is to nurture intellectual curiosity and embolden each learner to flourish as a principled, open-minded, and compassionate member of a global community.

We shape the academic journey for each learner, supporting and challenging them to reach their full potential. As an international school, we offer our students a choice between Advanced Placement (AP) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and work with them to forge their individual learning experience. TASIS prepares students for the future, whatever path they choose to pursue – on average, 96% of our graduates receive offers from their 1st or 2nd choice university.

For more details about a TASIS education click here>>>

 

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Organise Pocket Money with RoosterMoney

Education, Features Home, Lifestyle, News, Parenting
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RoosterMoney: Great summer offer with The Pocket Money App and Kids Debit Card

 

 

 

Do you need to get pocket money sorted? Want to teach your children that money doesn’t grow on trees? Need some help to get organised? Introducing RoosterMoney, the pocket money app and debit card designed to teach your kids the value of money in a digital age. Read on to see how you can earn your kids an extra £5 pocket money!

Simple and effective, RoosterMoney brings to life all the sound traditional financial principles we were brought up with (or wish we were!) and makes managing money relevant and smart.

You can either use the RoosterMoney app as a virtual pocket money tracker for free, or you can upgrade and let your children spend their pocket money in the real world with The Rooster Card.

 

The Rooster Card is the next step towards independent money management for your kids. A prepaid Visa debit card designed 100% with children in mind. So parents can hand over independence, whilst maintaining peace of mind with unique parental controls over where and what they spend. And with no overdraft, there’s no overspending, just building good habits.

 

 

The Rooster Card costs £24.99, but using our referral code CITY5 you’ll also get a £5 pocket money bonus after your free trial. Sign up here.

Key features include:

● Parent Account with sort code & account number – so you can set aside your kids’ pocket money, and family & friends can pay into the account

● Prepaid Visa debit card – so your kids can make considered spending choices in the real world

● No overdraft – so no risk of overspending

● You decide where it can be used – in shops, online or at ATMs

● Instant spending notifications – for you and your children

● One-time CVV – making it a more secure card for online transactions

● Freeze & unfreeze card instantly – for those ‘where’s my card?’ moments

 

Remember to use referral code CITY5 to get a £5 pocket money bonus after your free trial, sign up here.

 

 

For more parenting tips and ideas click here>>>>

 

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SUMMER BBQ RECIPES

Features, Features Home, Parenting, Recipes

Suns out, brioche buns are out and we’re firing up the barbecue.

Is it your turn to host? Look no further, dust off the grill and whip up a spread in no time thanks to Jo Pratt’s super scrumptious selection of summer BBQ recipes. If you haven’t got a BBQ (who even are you), don’t worry as all of these summer recipes can be made stove top or in the oven. And some need no cooking at all!

1. VEGGIE BURGERS WITH ONION MARMALADE AND HARISSA & FENNEL AND RADISH COLESLAW

Get the recipe here

2. MAPLE AND MUSTARD PULLED PORK

Get the recipe here

3. BARBECUED APPLES

Get the recipe here

4. FIG, SERRANO AND CURD CHEESE SALAD WITH HONEY DRESSING

Get the recipe here

5. PADRÓN PEPPERS (PIMIENTOS DE PADRÓN)

Padron peppers

Get the recipe here

6. STRAWBERRIES WITH VANILLA CASHEW CREAM

Strawberries with vanilla cashew cream

Get the recipe here

 

Jo’s books can be found at all good booksellers including Waterstones

Click here for more recipes>>>>>

THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE: LONDON

Book Reviews, Education, Features Home, Latest from CK, Parenting

The ‘Educational equivalent to Michelin’ launches latest edition of The Good Schools Guides for London

 

 

The Good Schools Guide, long favoured by parents to help them see the wood for the trees when choosing schools, launches its latest publications today. The Good Schools Guide: London North and London South cover the best state and independent schools north and south of the river. The Good Schools Guides: London offer in-depth and straight-talking reviews to give parents an invaluable insight into the competitive world of London schooling. The new editions include the latest exam results and articles on many aspects of the London education scene. The aim is to help parents choose the best school for their child.

At this point it’s worth noting that The Good Schools Guide is the only impartial guide to London schools. Each school included in a guide has been visited by a writer who has interviewed the head, spoken to pupils and parents and analysed results and marketing hype. Schools can’t buy their way in, there are no mates rates, advertisers don’t get a free pass. A school is only included in the pages if the writers think it worthy. It’s why schools are desperate to be included, and why The Good Schools Guide has been established and respected by parents for over 30 years. Apart from asking around, posting in Facebook groups, where else can parents get unbiased information about a school, its values, ethos and contribution to a community?

London North is a hefty tome of 220 schools, with London South feeling slimmer but still offering hundreds of reviews. Expect to see comment on junior and senior, independent and state settings as well as information and advice on fees, entry requirements, school atmosphere, academics, SEN and more.

In addition to the London guides, The Good Schools Guide also offers a consultation service, and The Good Schools Guide 22nd edition is available with a free month’s subscription to the website. The guide includes 1200 in-depth reviews of leading state and private schools for children aged 3 to 18 in the UK.

Find out more about The Good Schools Guide here

 

You may be interested in our Mini Guide to Berkshire

 

A LOVE OF BOOKS

Book Reviews, Education, Features Home, News, Parenting

Instilling a lifelong love of books is on the parenting tick list. St Benedict’s Librarian, Emma Wallace tells us how to get our children reading

 

What were your favourite books as a child?

The first series that I remember really loving was the Secret Seven by Enid Blyton.  This was about seven friends who formed a detective club and went on various adventures trying to solve mysteries.  I loved the sense that they could roam free in woods, hills and manor houses and investigate mysteries together, from train robbers, car thieves and mail heists.  And then when I got a bit older it was Judy Blume’s novels, when I read every one of her books, from Deenie to Tiger Eyes. These books were about real-life problems that we face growing up, at school, home and in relationships. I was such a massive fan that I wrote to Judy in America and she posted me a signed poster!

Your favourite children’s author?

My favourite children’s author is Neil Gaiman.  He has a wonderful imagination, writing both novels and graphic novels that evoke fantastical and intriguing scenarios, coupled with often terrifying and obscure characters, much like Roald Dahl.  I particularly love his book Coraline, which has been turned into a comic and film as well.

A new book that will stand the test of time?
The 2019 Kate Greenaway picture book award winner The Lost Words: A Spell Book by Jackie Morris.  This book of enchanting illustrations celebrates the natural world we share the planet with and can be enjoyed by any age.  It focuses on the loss of words on nature from children’s language (such as bramble, dandelion and acorn), and also their imaginations, while helping to remind us of the magic and importance of these wild things still today.

What is your all-time favourite book?
It’s got to be Madam Bovary by Gustave Flaubert! I read this over ten years ago and nothing has taken its place as my number one favourite novel since then.  While reading it, I couldn’t get over how modern, realistic and even contemporary it seemed, even though written in 1857!

If you could invite any author to St Benedict’s – living or dead – to meet you and your students, who would you choose, and why?
I think Mary Shelley, who died in 1851, would be a fascinating person for our pupils to meet! Her book Frankenstein, named the first ever science-fiction story, still captures the imagination of children today over two hundred years later and is such a brilliant read.  The Frankenstein monster has had a massive impact on popular culture, but there is so much more to this tragic character and I would love to know more about Mary’s thoughts behind this. I also think she would have provided many insights into what it was like to be female in the nineteenth century, going against many social conventions to publish a book.

Tell us why you think reading is a valuable thing for children to do:
Aside from the many academic benefits to reading, there are the huge social and emotional benefits, from better sleep, improved memory to lowered levels of stress. It is through reading fiction books that the unique, wonderful and transformative experiences can occur, helping children to feel happier and more connected in their lives.  A novel can transport us to an exotic island or magical land, allowing us to escape into our imagination, away from the day to day worries and stresses of our lives.  We may discover a character who is going through a similar experience to us, something that is life affirming and makes us feel a little less alone and isolated.

In recent online library lessons during lockdown, we have been talking about how reading is a brilliant way to help develop empathy skills, as we put ourselves in a character’s shoes and imagine what they’re thinking and feeling.  This immersion into a book character helps pupils’ build understanding and compassion towards others, something that is more important than ever in these difficult times.

What are your top tips for encouraging young teens to read?

  • Choose a book that you want to read.  Reading for pleasure is all about making our own choices and reading books that you think you will enjoy, by authors, genres and in formats that you love or want to try.
  • If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book” as JK Rowling says. It’s absolutely fine to stop reading a book you’re not enjoying and try something else. Reading a book is an investment and it’s important to keep trying different authors and genres until you find something that you really enjoy.
  • Make it a regular habit to read, setting aside a certain time each day or weekend to read – ensuring it becomes part of your weekly routine.
  • Put your phone down (or use a setting on your phone to turn off the Apps for a certain period every day!).  It’s important to have time away from the screen, without any distractions, so you can just relax and focus on the story.
  • Find a quiet space to read, away from other sounds or music, such as the TV or people having a conversation. It is really important your imagination is fully engaged whilst reading (see phone point above)

What makes a really good school library?
So many things! But I think the most important thing is the school librarian. Without a librarian, the school library is really just a room with books in. It is the librarian who brings the space to life, creating inspiring displays, collating contemporary print and online resource collections, recommending and discussing novels with pupils, running inspiring book events, competitions and craft activities, along with teaching library skills to ensure pupils are effective independent learners, both now and in the future.

Do you have a favourite library event in the school year?
At St Benedict’s, we have a rolling programme of library events throughout the year to mirror the school curriculum and to support the annual book celebrations and national awareness days. I try to make sure that we’ve got an exciting programme scheduled for different year groups and interests, to ensure everyone finds something to enjoy and get involved with. But I must admit that my favourite event is World Book Day in March! As a school librarian, this is always a big focus of the year and really allows me to experiment and be creative with the authors we invite in to talk to pupils and the events we run on the day. Past events include a murder mystery in the library, read dating, Drop Everything and Read, a ‘Short Story in a Day’ and redesign your favourite book cover.

Describe a typical day in the life of the St Benedict’s librarian:

No day is the same for a school librarian.  Whilst we follow the school day timetable we can perhaps be more flexible than teachers, ensuring that the whole school community is supported and engaged in the library. My day might start with brainstorming ideas and activities for the year 8 library lesson programme, checking the library catalogue for a certain topic area a teacher may have requested, locating these books on the shelves or perhaps placing an order for more books on this topic. I may look at the most recent pupil book suggestion forms and bestseller lists to update and buy for our own collection. At break and lunchtime, it is usually direct involvement with the students, checking out and returning books, discussing and helping pupils find books, answering information enquiries about research or homework topics, or sorting problems with a computer or printing. In the afternoon I might research the latest digital collection of resources to see if it is something that would support our pupils and curriculum and teach a lesson to a class to help with their understanding of how to use the library. There is also the need to create new displays, update book promotions and generally tidy up the library ready for the next day!

 

stbenedicts.org.uk

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE EDUCATION NEWS

FREE FAMILY MEAL PLANNER

Features, Features Home, Parenting, Recipes

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE FAMILY MEAL PLANNER

When it seems like 2021 has already lasted 2556 days, and you feel like you’ve prepared 907975 meals, Jo Pratt and Lizzie King have responded to our SOS by working together on a free family meal planner to save our sanity. All you have to do is sign up below to receive it!

 

 

Jo regularly provides recipes and ideas for City Kids readers and she’s drawn on her fantastic wealth of knowledge and numerous cookbooks to help create our planner. Her most recent publications are all about flexibility (The Flexible Vegetarian, The Flexible Pescatarian, The Flexible Family Cookbook), as we try to cater for different dietary needs and tastes, never more apparent than in the family home.

Lizzie is another friend of City Kids whose most recent venture, Lizzie Loves, has brought all her nutritional expertise to the fore. She’s shared recipes from her recent Wellness Week campaign and from Healthy Family Food. There’s nothing like a pandemic to focus our minds on eating well and boosting immunity.

Lizzie and Jo’s recipes work together for daily, stress-free goodness.

Our family meal plan includes all meals and snacks plus the added benefit of some of Lizzie’s Be Well and Be Sleepy remedies sprinkled amongst the goodness. We’ve made it as nutritionally balanced as possible and easy, as we know time is like gold dust at the moment. Some can be made in advance so that all you have to do is reheat ahead of lunch or dinner.

Finally, don’t stress if your food delivery missed an item and it’s not available for the recipe. You’ll see these meals can be flexible!

You can follow @cookwithjopratt and @lizzielovesremedies & @lizzieloveshealthy over on Instagram for more great family food ideas.

Pop your details below for your FREE meal planner + more greatness from the team at City Kids Magazine

 

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For more food ideas head to our recipe pages>>>

Sign Up to our Newsletter

Features, Features Home, Latest from CK, Lifestyle

The only way to improve the mail to your inbox is to sign up to our newsletter!

 

Sign up to our newsletter:

Our newsletters are sent every two weeks and include exclusive content, early access to competitions and mood-boosting articles. You’ll also find the latest ideas for things to do (whatever tier you’re in) plus events and parenting tips.  In recent months, we’ve included shopping edits, competitions with Start-Rite, Piccolo Foods, Anorak Magazine, Micro Skates and even Father Christmas so there really is no excuse to not sign up to our newsletter!

We hope that you find our newsletters as much fun to read as we do to put together.

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We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp’s privacy practices here.

Check out some of our features here>>>>

WATERPROOF CLOTHES FOR KIDS

Features, Features Home, Style

There’s no getting away from it – it’s wet wet wet and time to find some waterproof clothes for the kids.

 

 

It’s grey, it’s wet, it’s cold and there’s nothing worse than wet, cold and miserable children. But as many a grandparent has been heard to say: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” To prove it’s still possible to stomp in muddy puddles spring, we’ve put together and edit of some of the most stylish, yet practical, waterproof clothes for kids. From wellies, rain resistant coats and all-in-ones, we’ve got you covered.

 

Scamp & Dude from £30


scampanddude.com

 

JoJo Mamanbebe Yellow Duck Waterproof All-in-One £36

jojomamanbebe.co.uk

 

Toastie Kids Olive Waterproof Raincoat £79

toastiekids.com

 

Kuling x Garbo and Friends Buttercup Cream Rain Boots £37

Alexandalexa.com

 

Polarn O. Pyret Vehicle Print Waterproof Kids Raincoat

Polarnopyret.co.uk

Regatta Puddlesuit Oxford Blue £35

regatta.com

Kenzo Navy Logo Raincoat £185

alexandalexa.com

Lindex Rain Jacket and Rain Trousers £24.99 each

lindex.com

 

Liewood Dakota Rainwear in Panda Faune Green £65

scandiborn.co.uk

Moncler Blue Kruth jacket £180

alexandalexa.com

 

Hunter Creek Orange First Glitter Rain £40

alexandalexa.com

Head here for more ideas and inspiration on kids’ fashion.

And keep up with our Instagram feed here, updated daily with fashion, food, parenting tips and news.

ANTI-RACIST BOOKS FOR KIDS

Book Reviews, Education, Features, Features Home, Parenting

Black squares and hashtags are all well and good. Promising to educate yourself, also. Actioning those promises is what’s needed, and knowledge is going to help you and your kids take action. That’s why we’ve put this edit of anti-racist books for kids together.

City Kids has put together a collection of books for children and their parents who are committed to making a positive change. Our anti-racist book list for kids features stories with black characters in central roles as well as highlighting leaders of colour and those who have stood up against prejudice through the years.

“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength”. Maya Angelou

This small list of what’s available is just the beginning…

 

AN ABC OF EQUALITY
By Chana Ginelle Ewing
0-5yrs (Board book)

THE MEGA HAIR SWAP
By Rochelle Humes
3-5yrs

LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET
By Matt de la Peña
3-5yrs

THE NEW SMALL PERSON
By Lauren Child
3-6yrs

LOOK UP!
By Nathan Byron & Dapo Adeola
3-7yrs

LITTLE PEOPLE BIG DREAMS
Featuring Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Evonne Goolagong
4-7yrs

ELLA QUEEN OF JAZZ
By Helen Hancocks
4-8 yrs

THEA LEMON AND HER SUPER SPORTY FAIRY GODMOTHER
By Mark Lemon
4yrs+

LEON AND BOB
By Simon James
5yrs+

ADA TWIST’S BIG PROJECT BOOK FOR STELLAR SCIENTISTS
By Andrea Beaty
5-7yrs

THE SILENCE SEEKER
By Ben Morley
5-7yrs

SOMEDAY IS NOW: CLARA LUPER AND THE 1958 OKLAHOMA CITY SIT-INS
By Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
6-9yrs

DEALING WITH RACISM
By Jane Lacey
6-8yrs

40 INSPIRING ICONS: PEOPLE OF PEACE: MEET 40 AMAZING ACTIVISTS
By Sandrine Mirza
7-10yrs

LITTLE GUIDES TO GREAT LIVES
Featuring Nelson Mandela and Maya Angelou
7-11yrs

YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK: MEET 52 BLACK HEROES FROM PAST AND PRESENT
By Jamia Wilson
7-10yrs

40 INSPIRING ICONS: BLACK MUSIC GREATS
By Olivier Cachin
7-10yrs

THE POWER BOOK: WHAT IS IT, WHO HAS IT, AND WHY?
By Claire Saunders, Georgia Amson-Bradshaw, Minna Salami, Mik Scarlet, and Hazel Songhurst
7-11yrs

LESSONS FROM HISTORY, ELEMENTARY EDITION: A CELEBRATION IN BLACKNESS
By Jawanza Kunjufu
7yrs+

LITTLE LEADERS: EXCEPTIONAL MEN IN BLACK HISTORY
By Vashti Harrison
8-12yrs

LITTLE LEADERS: BOLD WOMEN IN BLACK HISTORY
By Vashti Harrison
8-12yrs

BLACKBERRY BLUE
By Jamila Gavin
9-11yrs

THE YOUNG MAGICIANS AND THE THIEVES’ ALMANAC
By Nick Mohammed
9-11yrs

WHO ARE REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS? WHAT MAKES PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR HOMES? AND OTHER BIG QUESTIONS
By Michael Rosen & Annemarie Young
9-17yrs

IGGIE’S HOUSE
By Judie Blume
9-12yrs

SPEAK UP!: SPEECHES BY YOUNG PEOPLE TO EMPOWER AND INSPIRE
By Adora Svitak
10yrs+

THIS BOOK IS ANTI-RACIST: 20 LESSONS ON HOW TO WAKE UP, TAKE ACTION, AND DO THE WORK
By Tiffany Jewell
11-15yrs

THE HYPNOTIST
By Laurence Anholt
12yrs+

WATCH US RISE
By Renee Watson & Ellen Hagan
12yrs+

NOUGHTS AND CROSSES
By Malorie Blackman
12yrs+

THE LIFE OF STEPHEN LAWRENCE
By Verna Allette Wilkins
13yrs+

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
By Harper Lee
13yrs+

THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR
By Nicola Yoon
14yrs+

THE HATE YOU GIVE
By Angie Thomas
14yrs+

DEAR MARTIN
By Nic Stone
14yrs+

BookTrust Recommendations

Our friends at BookTrust have shared a link to more books collated as part of their BookTrust Represents campaign created to promote children’s authors and illustrators of colour.

For teens

For Primary

Picture books

Book shops:

We Need Diverse Books

Blackwells.co.uk

Whsmith.co.uk

Amazon.co.uk

hive.co.uk

pagesofhackney.co.uk

 

 

Find out how one woman is changing the way the black curriculum is taught in schools