ST ALBANS AND HARPENDEN WHAT’S ON AND WHERE TO GO CLUBS AND CLASSES IT’S COMPETITION TIME MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2022
2 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WELCOME Raring2go! Watford is FOR SALE! Raring2go! ST ALBANS AND HARPENDEN is FOR SALE!
3 Raring2go! Musical Theatre. Acting. Film & TV. Early Years. LAMDA. Youth Theatre. PERFORMING ARTS Classes Best Theatre Arts Find your light with Building confidence in young people and helping them find themselves though the arts for over 20 years. info@besttheatrearts.org.uk besttheatrearts.com 01727 759 634 Ages 3 - 18
4 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Tel: 07913 323608 replay5905@ntlworld.com HOLIDAY CLUB in St Albans! OPEN EVERY SCHOOL HOLIDAY Based at St John Fisher Primary School COME JOIN US FOR ALL DAY FUN AND EXCITING ACTIVITIES!! ALL STAFF DBS CHECKED For All 3.5-11 year olds to enjoy!! We can’t wait to see you all soon!
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6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Making Waves Swim School Sandringham School St. Albans AL4 9NX Weekly classes for children from 3½ to adult Poolside and in the water support Crash courses in most school holidays See website and Facebook for full details Millie Herbert and the team look forward to seeing you www.makingwaves-swimschool.co.uk Tel: 07507 038250 Email: herbertm.mw@gmail.com
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8 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON THIS AUTUMN Potato Shindig at Willows Activity Farm Get your dungarees on, it’s time to dig up your FREE bucket of potatoes at Willows Potato Patch. Join us this September for a funtattie-tastic family day out! 10th September – 2nd October I Spy With My Little Eye, Eric Morcombe Centre Put on your party clothes and consider yourself cordially invited to join Molly and Bingo for what promises to be a truly magical day of fun and laughter. 18th September Roman Festival, St Albans Cathedral Ideal for Key Stage 2, pupils have the chance to take part in this popular Roman Festival Day which includes three workshops, and the chance to meet a Roman Soldier! 19th - 23rd September The Big Modeling Show, Townsend CofE School Visit us at The BIG St.Albans Model show and see models that move 24th and 25th September Gymbo Fest, Gymboree St Albans Come and live your best life at this festival inspired event - Free photo shoot, Meet and greet with Gymbo the clown and friends, Free Play, Live Performances/ Workshops, Stall holders, Messy Play, Face Paint 24th September, 12.30-4.30pm The Highfield Oval Apple Festival Come be a part of a community event and have a special time as a family and friends while enjoying the harvests of the land. FREE ENTRY 1st October 12.30 – 4pm Day Out with Thomas at Buckinghamshire Railway Station Make their dreams come true: Ride on a steam train with Thomas the Tank Engine! 22nd - 24th October The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Alban Arena Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with
9 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON THIS AUTUMN oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… 24th – 26th October Night Themed Animal Trail at Ashridge Join our family trail at Ashridge this October half term and you’ll discover what’s going on in the great outdoors when the sun goes down. 25th – 31st October Knebworth Gardens Halloween Adventure Get your broomsticks, hats and magic wands at the ready and venture into Knebworth Gardens this Autumn for a Halloween Adventure, but watch out for Bats, Witches, Ghouls and Ghosts along the way! 25th – 27th October Halloween Activities at Burstons Create your own fridge magnets and windchimes over 2 days of activities. £6 per child. Booking essential 27th & 28th October “Tumbles, Twists and Tricks” at The Little Gym Harpenden Join the party filled with gymnastics, live creepy crawlies and plenty of tricks and treats! 28th October 3:00-6:00pm Little Red Riding Hood and Friends, Sandpit Theatre There is lots of participation in this theatre show, with the audience becoming Cinderella’s backing band, auditioning to be wolves, helping Red Riding Hood’s dad cut down trees and dancing a conga. 28th October The Dark Room, Sandpit Theatre A must see for anyone who wants to treat/punish their little darlings with a cult hit, super fun, fear-filled interactive adventure like no other. It’s bonkers fun for all the family. 29th October Knebworth Christmas Fair Enjoy THREE DAYS filled with festive shopping and fun 25th – 27th November Redbourn Christmas Market Redbourn will be transformed into a Christmas Market. Indulge in a wealth of local crafts, fabulous food and family entertainment. 27th November For even more events, visit www.raring2go.co.uk/stalbans
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17 Raring2go! Did you know that we have two locations in London Colney? Little Nightingales Day Nursery, Barnet Road The Day Nursery is open 51 weeks of the year from 7:30am – 6:30pm and caters for ages from 3 months to 5 years. Our homemade meals are included in the price, and we offer wrap around care along with government funded hours for 2-5 years. Little Nightingales Preschool, Alexander Road Term Time only, this preschool consists of a large, open plan space leading off to our wide range of facilities. With access to a outdoor classroom and a large garden that is used all year round. We offer funded spaces for children from 2 years to 5 years. Call 01727 827533 for more information www.littlenightingales.com
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20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! I was stuck about which subject I should tackle for the Autumn edition of this lovely little magazine. Then the Commonwealth Olympics arrived and we were all struck by the gruelling practice schedules undertaken by these young (and, sometimes, not so young!) competitors. The idea suddenly presented itself. It was nearing the end of the Summer Term, which are usually very busy for everyone. Not only do we have the regular school activities but, just to add to the fun, your youngster decides that they would like to add another after-school or weekend activity to your (already) busy lives, such as Judo, Swimming or Tennis (pick appropriate activity for the time of year). Small wonder that, well before Christmas, families trail into my studio looking worn-out and full of excuses (some quite understandable – some… creative ones!) about why the required piano practice has been neglected. So sometimes I want to rename this publication ‘Raring-2-Stop’. The memory of having to choose between piano, swimming and gymnastics was tough as a child, as I was considered ‘promising’ in all three. The rich menu of activities on offer, now, is nothing short of impressive, and I am sympathetic with parents as they strive to give their children the opportunities they, perhaps, never had. I am keen, however, to give them value for their money as it is mostly hard-earnt these days. That means progress has to be measurable which, in turn, means daily practice! Prospective customers often ask me the ‘progress question’ which is “How long will it take to get to the end of Book 1?” The answer to that is providing the parent has the time to attend to daily practice (of about ten minutes to begin with), and providing the child can (and will !) take advantage of parental/teacher guidance from the start, progress should be excellent. But the ‘watchword’ there is ‘providing’. The supplementary question is usually “how often do we need to practise?” to which the answer is “only on the days you eat”….. which quotation from Dr Suzuki sits in a frame on one of my pianos. A lot to think about there. But back to the Olympics. I doubt if a medal of any description is achievable without daily practice. And some of the schedules these talented sportsmen and women need to follow are Olympian in their own right. So whilst I wouldn’t advocate their rigid timetables, nevertheless it does follow that many hours of work are required, eventually, to bring about results. So it is with the piano. ‘Back in the Day’ when I was juggling ‘A’ levels with Grade 8 piano and Grade 7 ‘Cello, time really was ‘of the essence’. So I am sympathetic with the student who occasionally tells me that they didn’t have the time this week to complete their workload. Just don’t tell me that it conflicted with their daily session of ‘Fortnite’. How often do we need to practise? Ask an Olympian!
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24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! How to choose the best secondary school for your child Choosing the best school for your child can be very stressful. However, planning ahead will make the process much easier. “Every lesson should be outstanding. Teachers should adopt a child centred learning style. It is the job of teachers to inspire, motivate and constantly develop new strategies to find each child’s unique talent.” Preparation for your visit Consider all the options You may have several reasons for not including a school on your short-list but whatever the reason it is best to keep an open mind until you have done your homework. Schools change and what may have been a ‘failing’ school may now be outstanding, due to new leadership. Research Find out as much as you can about the school before your visit. Look at Ofsted reports, visit parent forums, read magazines or any articles you can nd about the school performance. Look at the school website. Is it updated regularly? The school website is the window to a school, a well-managed school will usually have an excellent website. Ask to speak to the Head Teacher Can you? If not why? Try to schedule a meeting with the Head during your visit. This will give you an invaluable insight about the ‘culture of openness’ within the school. Observe and ask questions Where possible it is useful to see how children interact before and after school, this will give you a good indication about whether your child will ‘ t in’. Speak to parents of children attending the school. Don’t be afraid to ask questions • What is the educational mission for the school? • What pastoral care does the school offer? • What is the school’s approach to student discipline and safety? • What extracurricular activities are available? • Does the school help students achieve and excel individual targets? • Does the school have an arts department? • What support is there for students who have academic, social or emotional needs? • Do you encourage student/parent feedback by surveys or meetings? • Can you visit the school on a normal working day? • How do children travel to school? • Is there a school bus?
25 Raring2go! “Sometimes instinctively you just know (it is similar t buying a house) if you felt inspired after your rst visit and you can imagine your child being there then it is probably the right choice”. Things to look for Are you happy with the class size? Do ALL the children seem engaged? Is their work displayed and is it age appropriate? Is the Head approachable to students, parents and teachers? How well is the school maintained? Are the grounds and equipment clean and safe? How do students behave is lessons and around the school? ou need to know The education – what y or specialist subject(s)? Is the school known f n does the school have for exams? What preparatio verage exam results? What are the a dents go after their exams? Ask Where do stu s, universities or work placements. about college ool have a system in place for Does the sch r not wishing to go on to higher students fo n? educatio e career advisors or school Are ther s? therapist ool accredited? Is the sch alities The practic commute to and from school? Is it a fairly safe and easy journey? Is it easy to oes it take to travel back from school? This will have an impact on your How long d mework, after school activity and general well being. child’s ho s a school bus are there If there i d late services for children early an e part in after school who tak s? activitie hild know any other Do you or your c hool, this could be children attending the sc f different reasons. Does invaluable for a number o our child’s chosen subjects. the school specialise in y The decision Your child’s opinion matters. Involve them in the process. Check out you local County Council website for a helpful Moving Up To Secondary School Guide and click on ‘Open Events’ to download a guide to all the open days and evenings for local schools.
26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! Children’s Halloween Activities Make & decorate Halloween Zombie Fridge Magnets Thursday 27th October 2022 – £6 per child Encourage your little ones to get creepily creative in the run up to Halloween by making and decorating their own zombie fridge magnets! Decorate a Spooky Windchime Friday 28th October 2022 – £6 per child Add some horror to your home this Halloween by decorating your own spooky windchime. Choose from Pumpkin, Spider, Bat or Ghost (Subject to availability). All proceeds from this event will be donated to our chosen charity of the year – Brain Tumour Research. There’s no trick but a sweet treat for those who come dressed in a horrifying Halloween outfit Burston Garden Centre, N Orbital Road St. Albans, Hertfordshire AL2 2DS United Kingdom Please note that booking is essential for these events, as there will be no walk-in slots. Choose your preferred activity and book via our website www.burston.co.uk/events
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29 Raring2go! LOCKERS PARK “Lockers Park prepares boys for success in the modern world.” Tatler Schools Guide Excellent results Enthusiasm for life A purposefully small boarding prep school for boys aged 4-13 | Boxmoor, Hertfordshire If you are considering a Reception entry for September 2023 or 2024, join us for a fun activity for your son, whilst you talk with our Headteacher in our Little Lockers Stay & Play - 30th September or 21st October, 9.30-11am
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WATERFRONT BEER GARDENS FAMILY AND DOG FRIENDLY FOOD SERVED ALL DAY INSTOWARMS.COM 01271 860608 NORTH DEVON
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