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After School Watch

Whether or not you think you have a budding Picasso, Beyonce or David Beckham in the family, there’s no doubt about the benefits of after school clubs. For some, a day spent learning at school is enough and they will just need to relax at home. For others, it’s a chance to let off steam outside the classroom, discover new skills, learn the importance of team work, plus have a great time! There’s a whole range of clubs on offer to suit all tastes and personalities – take a look and let them find a whole new world of fun this autumn!

 

Free day of performing arts at Razzamataz

Razzamataz Newbury are offering a free day of performing arts fun for all children between the ages of 2-18 on Saturday 16th September. During the Open Day, children will get a taster of the classes and opportunities that are open to Razzamataz students. These include the chance to perform annually at the school’s show case, the opportunity to audition for industry level talent agencies stage, summer schools, guest workshops, the opportunity to perform at the O2 in November 2018 and numerous other chances to perform. To participate in the free Open Day, please contact them directly. T: 01635 905404 W: www.newbury.razzamataz.co.uk

 

Berzerk gear up for autumnal fun in their Drama Factory classes

Fresh from winning their cultural award for “Best Education Project” at Reading’s cultural awards, Berzerk have something for everyone with their Little Char-Actors classes for ages 4-6, Juniors for ages 6-11, the intermediates for school years 7-9 and seniors for school years 10 and over. With the Peter Pan cast already working hard for the performance at The Oakwood Centre in December, they will be celebrating 25 years of making believe with some really exciting projects for 2018 too! T: 07863 734830 W: www.berzerkproductions.com

 

Let your child shine with The Dani Harmer Academy

The Dani Harmer Academy is perfect for children and young adults who are keen to develop their skills in performing arts, or those looking to improve their confidence. The Academy offers a safe, friendly and fun environment to learn and explore the performing arts, from drama classes and singing lessons to dance workshops and much more. With classes divided into age groups, they are held at Edgbarrow School, Crowthorne on Saturdays during term time and students have many opportunities to perform in local events, TV, film and theatre. They also offer a Free Taster Day and Pay as You Go. W: www.daniharmeracademy.com

 

Want to try performing arts? Enjoy a two week trial at Stagecoach

The Performing Arts are so much more than learning how to sing, dance and act. At Stagecoach, they help children develop Creative Courage For Life. They help to enhance life skills such as confidence, teamwork, co-ordination and communication through fun and engaging Performing Arts classes. They also offer a two-week trial giving your child the opportunity to try their classes, meet other local children and start making new friends, whilst channelling energy through creativity and expression. They have weekly classes in singing, dancing and acting during term time for 4 to 18 year-olds and you can sign your child up for the two-week trial this Autumn Term. W: www.stagecoach.co.uk

 

Make Steppin Out the stepping stone for your little star!

Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow continues to be one of Berkshire’s leading Theatre Schools. They run classes on Fridays and Saturday at various locations in the area and specialise in drama, singing, dance and tap lessons for ages 3½-18 years. With several of their children currently appearing in West End shows and films, there are endless opportunities for students to showcase their talents when they join the team at Steppin Out! T: 07970 034488 E: shelley@steppinoutstars.co.uk

 

Gain social skills for life with Sparky’s

Sparky's Drama in Cookham has recently become a Private LAMDA centre, meaning that its pupils can take their drama exams in their familiar local hall without journeying up to London. Amber Edlin, who opened Sparky's Drama in 2013 says: "LAMDA: The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art is the UK’s oldest and the most highly respected awarding bodies. The exams not only give children a sense of achievement and a reward, but also empower them with life skills.” 

As well as a term of LAMDA syllabus, Sparky’s continue to offer a term of Theatre Skills with a group performance (great for teamwork) and Acting for camera (great fun and the children particularly love the cinema style screening on the last day!). The whole year is designed to be varied and exciting, and class places are limited to give each child the opportunity to shine. Contact Amber to book your free trial. T: 07889 311414 W: www.sparkysdrama.co.uk

 

Creating thrills and skills for life

The Pauline Quirke Academy is a weekend performing arts school for 4-18 year olds - and due to popular demand PQA Maidenhead is opening a new afternoon Academy on Saturday 16th September. Students spend three hours with PQA, rotating through hour long sessions in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television. The specialist modules, packed full of tips that Pauline has learnt from nearly 50 years in the business, will teach you everything you need to know to act, sing, dance or direct like a professional. By working with people they believe are outstanding in their field, they aim to provide students with a constantly evolving experience- something that is fresh, exciting and bang up-to-date.

PQA believe in inspiring and rewarding our students, so they offer free group Trinity exams, masterclasses, cinema screenings, the chance to join their exclusive agency - Quirky Kidz and the opportunity to perform in London’s West End.  

PQA Maidenhead is holding a free open day on Saturday 16th September from 1.45-5pm at Furze Platt Senior School, Furze Platt Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 7NQ. 

PQA is also enrolling now in Reading and Windsor! For more information please visit www.pqacademy.com or call 0800 531 6282

 

Redroofs leads the way in performance opportunities

The way to go for discerning parents, Redroofs couples the "wow' factor of visiting Artistes with excellent training, the work hard play hard ethic and smiles that need no stage make up. Their outstanding packages for ages 18 months to 19 years and daytime adult classes are for all who love performing. They offer professional training or part time classes for beginners upwards, along with evening classes and all day Saturday School for keen young performers. You are invited to join their dance classes, Gold Team, Musical Theatre Schools and Young Performers Company and Agency. Redroofs nurture all from those learning for fun and confidence to their young performers appearing in shows, TV, films, West End and tours. A friendly Redroofs welcome awaits you. W: www.redroofs.co.uk

 

Boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence with performing arts

It is a sad fact that performing arts is declining in England’s schools when we know the positive impact they have on all children, from the shyest student to the most outgoing. Helping them make sense of emotions, develop understanding, face fears in a safe environment and develop language and communication skills. Razzamataz is a part-time school for 4 to 18 year olds covering a range of performance styles from classic West End musical theatre to street dance and pop singing. Razzamataz aims to inspire children and believes that performing arts not only improves health and fitness but also boosts confidence and self-esteem; life skills a young person will carry with them for any career path. Book your FREE trial session now at Razzamataz Reading or Marlow: reading@razzamataz.co.uk or marlow@razzamataz.co.uk

 

Book a free trial with the dynamic Dancercise

Dancercise offers ballet, tap, street dance and hip hop classes for children from 2 and a half years through to adults! Taught by qualified, experienced teachers, their classes are welcoming, fun and friendly. Pupils can take exams with the RAD, ISTD and ITDA and they hold an end of year production each summer. Venues include Caversham, Sonning and East Reading and they are more than happy to offer your child a free trial. T: 07951 385850 W: www.dancerciseuk.com

 

Does your child show an aptitude and passion for dance?

As the parent of a young dancer you will know the value of quality, challenging and particularly, safe training. The Lodge School of Theatre Dance is unlike many others.  Each syllabus class is taught by qualified RAD and ISTD teachers, in purpose built dance studios in Earley. Principle Sarah-Jane Bullock is passionate about the ‘quality not quantity' ethos at the school, where strong technique is foremost, enabling every child to reach their full potential. With former pupils studying at full time vocational schools such as Elmhurst, Laine Theatre Arts, Bird College, Urdang and Performers, the results speak for themselves. T: 07758 412854 W: www.thelodgeschoolofdance.com

 

Fabulous New Dance Shop for Berkshire

Dancers and gymnasts in the Windsor/Slough/Maidenhead area will be pleased to know that they now have a local branch of Berkshire’s premier dancewear retailer.   Dancia International Windsor is based in the beautiful village of Datchet, and stocks local dance school uniforms, as well as shoes for ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, ballroom and Irish dancing. Along with its sister stores in Reading and Crowthorne, the new branch will be open 7 days a week during September in order to make back-to-school uniform buying a little less stressful for parents. Take your child to Dancia, and their friendly, highly trained staff will be happy to advise you. They also have a fabulous selection of gymnastics leotards, leggings and shorts! W: www.dancia.co.uk

 

Inspirational teachers await your young dancers 

After a fabulous show at the Wycombe Swan in July, the pupils of the Pat Steel School of Dance are eager to return to classes on 9th September. Inspirational teachers and beautiful dance studios at BCA and the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead make this one of the county’s premier dance schools. Pupils achieve outstanding results, as well as blossoming in confidence in the family atmosphere, which is the hallmark of their welcoming school. A new First Steps in Ballet class will be running on Thursdays at 3.45pm at the Magnet Leisure Centre for 3 to 4 year old ballerinas and princes. Please contact Miss Candy by emailing candy@patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk to reserve a place for the next Darcy or Len! W: www.patsteelschoolofdance.co.uk

 

Great Vibez for all in Woodley

Vibez Dance Studios is the latest state of the art dance studio, in the heart of the close-knit town of Woodley, Reading. UK Professional Ten Dance Champions, Richard Still & Morgan Hemphill opened Vibez in 2015, with the vision of having all styles of dance & fitness under one roof available to everyone. The have three main studios (with sprung wooden floors, sound systems & mirrors) and a Pole Studio where they offer a wide variety of dance & fitness classes for children and adults seven days a week, with the opportunity for private tuition too. All teachers have vast experience in their field and their teaching qualifications are held in all major recognised dance/fitness governing bodies. There’s something for everyone and always a GREAT VIBEZ! T: 01189 691290 W: www.vibezdance.co.uk

 

Want to learn to sing with West End Vocal Coaches?

The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is a specialist school that focuses primarily on developing ‘the voice’. Their background is working with all disciplines of stagecraft, at any age, and they believe it's never too early or late to learn how to sing! “The voice is more important and complex than most people think” says Nathan Lubbock-Smith. Having worked at Guildford School of Acting and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Nathan has been collaborating closely with leading actors playing Elphaba in “Wicked”. Current students are in Wicked, Dream Girls, Les Miserables & Miss Saigon. Running every Thursday during term time, AVA believes singing promotes confidence, can help release anxiety and depression and should be fun! W: www.academyvocalarts.co.uk

 

Rock out on stage with The Rock Project Berkshire

The Rock Project Berkshire is the leading after school club for children aged 7-18 years old where they not only learn a musical instrument or to sing but also perform in a band at each session. Classes run for two hours and children are taught by experienced musicians, culminating in a real life gig at the end! Contact Jo Alden for more information and to sign up for a FREE trial class. T: 0118 3345562 W: www.berkshire.therockproject.com

 

Nine good reasons why everyone should learn to play a musical instrument!

Music is something that is never too late to learn. And here are just nine good reasons why everyone should learn to play a musical instrument:

•         Relieves stress

•         Improves your social life

•         Helps build confidence                              

•         Teaches patience

•         Fosters creativity

•         Improves memory

•         Develops discipline

•         Gives you a sense of achievement

•         Playing a musical instrument is fun

 Windsor Piano School opened its doors in November 2008 and developed an excellent reputation very quickly. They provide tuition in jazz piano, classical piano, guitar, saxophone, violin, flute, singing, drums, music theory and composition. Choose the instrument that appeals to you and book a free lesson today! T: 0800 622 6920 W: www.windsorpianoschool.co.uk

 

Reading Tae Kwon Do Academy brings fun and fitness

Looking to improve fitness, balance and confidence? Tae Kwon Do Academy can do just that and offers classes in five locations to suit all age groups. Children start in Tigers (4-6 years) where they learn correct techniques and co-ordination through games. They then progress through to juniors from age 7 onwards to improve kicking and punching skills within a controlled classroom. Children stay fit and active and benefit from gaining self-defence skills, discipline, confidence and making lots of new friends! T: 07766 125735 W: www.reading-tkd.com

 

 

Inspire your child’s mind with the game of chess

Learning to play chess is one of the best gifts that a parent can give to their growing child! By discovering the fun and mental discipline of chess, a young mind will develop foresight and decision making powers, concentration and wonderful memory skills. Attributes that will prepare them well for both school and life’s future challenges! Chess with Dino is a club designed for kids, up to the age of 18. Group and one to one coaching is available and they are based next to Piggott Primary School, Park Lane, Twyford. They meet on Sundays from 9-11.30am and the session is run by an experienced coach. T: 07449 313 414 W: www.chesswithdino.co.uk

 

Does your child play chess?

Enjoy playing chess? Then take a look at what Berkshire Junior Chess Association have to offer. They are a friendly organisation providing chess playing opportunities for boys and girls of all ages and abilities. Regular Saturday afternoon events offer a fun introduction to chess competitions; in addition to their Friendly and County Team events. Be involved with as much or as little chess as you want, you can sign up per event online. BJCA offers somewhere for anyone to play chess - you don’t need to be involved in chess at school. Visit their website to see everything on offer and register to receive regular newsletters. W: www.bjca.org.uk

 

Art courses with a difference

Busy Buttons Creative Studio is an Arts Award Centre and Supporter offering all the levels of certification in various creative courses namely 2D and 3D art, sculpting, painting, illustration, design for performance and theatre arts, animation, fashion design, costume making, sewing, for 5 years upwards. Toddlers can enjoy art with a kinesthetic approach on Thursdays. While adults can start with the different levels in pattern-making, sewing, costume making and more. Based at 8-9 King Edward Court, Windsor the studio offers courses, camps, activity days, events and workshops. T: 07952 418212 W: www.busybuttons.org

 

Get kids active… go climbing!

Reading Climbing Centre are delivering the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) at their superbly equipped centre. The scheme is taught by expert coaches and is ideal for children from 7-17 years old. It offers five levels of award aimed at taking complete novices and creating the environment needed to allow them to develop into talented climbers. It is an incredible opportunity to get youngsters inspired and engaged in a healthy, incredibly fun, social and challenging sport! W: www.readingclimbingcentre.com

 

Reach for success at Oakwood Climbing Centre

Every child loves to climb and Oakwood Climbing Centre caters for everybody’s needs from complete beginners to climbing experts! As well as being open for independent climbers, they offer a wide range of instructed sessions, from taster sessions and birthday parties, which are suitable for 5+ years, to NICAS and NIBAS courses which are for 7+ years to learn how to become a competent climber. For over 18’s, they run boulder inductions and beginners courses which allow you to be signed off to use the centre independently. T: 01189 792246 W: www.oakwoodclimbingcentre.com

 

Take the plunge and improve their swimming skills this autumn

At GR Swimming Schools, your child will not only learn to swim, an essential life skill, but gain confidence and have a healthy respect for the water and safety. With a small class ratio, they are able to provide friendly, fun lessons whilst delivering individual attention. They teach at Downs School, Compton; Brockhurst and Marlston School, Thatcham and Oratory School, Woodcote, Reading. As well as offering term time lessons, you can book a crash course in half term from 23rd-27th October. T: 01635 201410 W: www.swimlessons.co.uk

 

HydroKidz Swim School in READING and NEWBURY  

Places are still available for children's weekly swimming lessons at Mary Hare School in Newbury and Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning. Run by the experienced team from HydroKidz they offer small class sizes, continual progression and a fun and safe environment. Weekdays after school and weekend times are available at both locations for ages 3 years upwards and they welcome any ability.  Start any time - you do not have to wait for a term to start to join as your child is assessed continually. Monthly payment options and sibling discounts available. T: 0118 402 2899 W: www.hydrokidz.com

Special offer for Primary Times readers - mention you are a reader of Primary Times when you join and you’ll receive a free swimming goody bag!

 

GBS Swim School offers excellent term time swimming courses

Swimming is an essential life skill and GBS Swim School can help your child achieve it! Sandra Bond runs GBS Swim School from two venues in Reading; Leighton Park School and St Joseph’s College. GBS also offer lifesaving and life support training along with the bronze, silver and gold medallions. Sandra also runs classes for pre-school, toddlers and parent and baby classes and specialist adult courses. T: 0118 966 8912 / 07881 596722

 

Bradfield offer termly swimming lessons

Bradfield Sports Complex believes in offering termly swimming lesson packages following the ASA stages. But why do they do this when so many others operate a monthly subscription all year round? Firstly, groups all learning at the same pace and starting together tend to make consistent progress. Secondly, they believe in offering good value to customers. They know that pupils often miss paid for sessions during school holidays. Finally, termly packages give a clear assessment point so pupils move up through the stages in a structured way. With certificate costs included, friendly Water Helpers for the early stages and experienced teachers, it is no wonder their swimming lessons remain so popular! T: 0118 964 4600 W: www.bradfieldsportscomplex.co.uk

 

Why should your child learn to swim?

Swimming is one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy. It uses most of the muscles in your body and exercises the most important of them all, your heart. It’s also a skill that can help to keep people safe throughout their lives! A recent report from Swim England revealed that one in three children leave primary school unable to swim. Everyone Active aims to improve this statistic by encouraging more people to swim, with award-winning swimming lessons for children as young as four months, building confidence in and around water. To find out more about learning to swim at your local leisure centre visit www.everyoneactive.com

 

Help your child’s development with Kindergym

Kindergym classes for children ages 1-4 years run throughout the week and Pinewood Gymnastics Club are able to offer both with and without parent classes dependant on age. Pay as you go drop in classes are also available. Classes consist of warm up games, gymnastic based apparatus circuits and the chance to develop the basic beginning gymnastics skills. Classes will help develop a child’s balance, co-ordination, spatial awareness and body control whilst also using colours, numbers and word association in a safe and fun purpose built gymnastics facility. Each session brings a new adventure with the classes taking on a different theme weekly. Qualified British Gymnastics coaches are on hand to coach, help and encourage the children as they start on their gymnastics pathway. T: 01344 773237 W: www.pinewoodgymnastics.co.uk

 

Courses and activities available for kids of all ages

Cure your kids after school boredom at Bracknell Leisure Centre this autumn! There are a wide range of activities available, including gymnastics, ballet, badminton and trampolining - not forgetting squash and cheerleading courses for teenagers! Swimming sessions for children of all ages and abilities are also available and are designed to help youngsters develop their skills and water confidence at their own pace, allowing them to grow into competent, safe swimmers.

If after school activities aren’t burning off enough energy then Saturday Soccer Dribber sessions (held for three to five-year-olds) might do the trick, or for some extra fun in the water, the inflatable aqua run is in the pool every Saturday from 1-3pm!

A copy of the autumn term courses brochure featuring all of the courses scheduled, their costs and more is available at the leisure centre reception or via the website. T: 01344 454203 W: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

 

The first session is free at Maidenhead Boys & Girls Football Club

Maidenhead Boys & Girls Football Club is committed to providing girls and boys of all abilities, from the age of 6, the opportunity to play football. They encourage every individual by promoting self-motivation, confidence and self-esteem whilst developing positive attitudes to a healthy lifestyle and respect to their peers, mentors and officials through their enjoyment of sport. Children can join on a Training Only basis or as a player (spaces permitting) and training sessions are held on Wednesdays or Fridays, depending on team. Fees include all training and matches and sibling discounts are available. T: 07796 074 698 W: www.maidenheadfootball.com

 

A great after school offer from Jump In

A fantastic amount of fun, disguising the fact that this is also an incredible form of full body exercise! Jump In is open every day of the week in Slough. Experience the sensation as you bounce in a vast arena of interconnected trampolines. You can jump between trampolines, literally bounce off the walls and challenge others to a friendly game of trampoline dodgeball. If you are more daring, you can also try flying and flipping into the foam zone or trying out some new moves on the tumble tracks and exploring some of our other invigorating trampoline attractions. Check out their BRAND NEW after school offer, where you can get an hour jump session and some pizza for just £8.95! W: www.gojumpin.com

 

Get creative at Pottery Pals this autumn

Pottery Pals is a great little ceramic pottery painting studio located within the Holme Grange Craft Village on the outskirts of Wokingham. A lovely retreat to spend a few quite hours creating a special keepsake or personalised gift’s for the important people in your lives. They also run a ‘grown-ups’ evening every 1st Wednesday of the month 7-10pm; take your friends along and paint something great! You can even take wine and nibbles with you to enjoy too. Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. T: 01189 794006 E: info@potterypals.co.uk