Warwick Castle

I've wanted to go to Warwick Castle for a long time and was so happy that we could finally make it. To be honest, all the advertisements for the castle made me so eager to go to it and it didn't disappoint me.

It was a small castle but the fun wasn't. We first entered the Horrible Histories Maze where I've lost each kids multiple time but to my defence, they were running off in so many directions that I gave up. To add matters worse, they had a quiz to hand and competing between each other as to who is going finish first.  Anyhow, once the kids finished they met me at our designated meeting point, we entered the castle. There was a big stage on with performances going on. While the kids were laughing away watching the show, I quickly run around to the places where the timed performances were running so we don't miss on anything.

Before, we explored the castle, we did the Warwick Dungeon. We booked in advanced along with the castle tickets online as it was cheaper. We found the Dungeon more scarier than the London one as it was in an actual castle climbing narrow staircases and corridors. The kids were scared but in a good way! Because we went to during Halloween, it was extra scary.

Next stop, inside the castle, in different parts of it, there were different timed performance which may  differ during different half-terms. The performances were interactive and kids enjoyed running through the castle going on adventure. We then went to the grounds and saw a Falconry show. There was also other paid activities such as knight training and sword fighting. The castle grounds were beautiful with beautiful views. We climbed on top of the walls and walked and looked over the town. There were actors walking around with costumes and weapons which gave us the feel of being back in time.

Overall, we had a great experience and a spooky time!

In and around Norwich

We spent a weekend in and around Norwich during one for the half-terms and we had a good time. The places are not near the city centre so having a car will be helpful although not essential as some places are quite long but easy to get to via public transport. However, we stayed in the town centre with lot of child friendly places to eat. Here's what we've done:

1. ROARR Dinosaur Park - As you know Mahi is crazy about dinosaurs so wherever we go we must do something related to dinosaurs. This place was huge. I did;t know how big it could be and a whole day was happily spent there. There was a large trail of prehistoric trail with all the dinosaurs along the way with easy to read information of them. There were also building a new attraction which should be opened by now There was many play areas, a learning centre which holds special shows during half terms. Mahi was the centre of the show  (literally) as he became a little paleontologist. There also had a farm with the usual animals and some other non-farm animals.  There was other activities also such a faceprinting, dinosaurs walking around, an indoor go-karting space, splash park opened during warm weather. Most of the places are outdoor so pick a good day to go!

2. Bewilderwood - If you read the books, you will be happy to know that you can see the place in real-life! It is a magical place filled with little creatures just like in the books. You have to take a boat to go to the mainland to go across the swamp filled with crocodiles. Once you land, the land is a big adventure playground. There's so many playgrounds that you can get on, yes yourselves too, that it feels like turning into a child. They also have shows which tells part of the stories of the books. We came out exhausted but I was in such a content state having felt like a kid again!

3. Right in the town centre there's the Norwich Castle which holds a special activities during the school holidays. We went on a mystery hunt which took us through the castle and it's history. It was not expensive and a quick way to learn the history of the city. x

3. We also caught a show in the Norwich Theatre where we caught the Jungle Book. It was a small cosy theatre but an amazing performance and a great way to end our time in Norwich.

RAF Museum London

This museum is in Hendon and quite easy to  get to especially with 4 overexcited children of different ages. We went with Lucky's and Mahi's best friends. We decided to go there as we heard great things about this museum.

During the summer, which was when we went, they also held a special escape room kind of event but across the museum instead of being in a room. But before we started that, we visited the museum which had lots of interactive games and plenty of planes to climb aboard. We also enjoyed the inspiring stories we saw across the museum and what it means to be in the army.

Once it was our time to start our escape room game, we headed to a tent were there was a dress up corner, games from older times and other interesting objects. Once we started the game, it was a huge trail across the museum. We were put into teams so it was a competition and our scores were monitored through an app on the phone. We didn't fully appreciate the size of the museum until we were doing the trail. It was a great way to see the kids working as a team, solving problems. There ws a lot of running as we were against a timer. But in that amount of time, we mounted an actual spitfire! We couldn't finish all the tasks but we earned some bonus point through some special tasks. We didn't win unfortunately but all the kids enjoyed the activities.

The museum had a few cafes and a very unusually designed playground.  There was a lot of ground to run around too!

The kids couldn't stop talking about their day on our way back!

The Great Fire of London - Family Walk

Is your child learning about the Great Fire of London at school? Would you like to support your child's learning by making it more interactive? Look no further.

Mahish has been learning about the Great Fire of London at school. The Great Fire of London is one of the biggest disasters that happened in London. It was a fire that started in a bakery on Pudding Lane, ravaging the city for 3 days before it  finally died down near the Tower of London. When Laksha was learning about it, it was one of the big anniversaries so there was plenty of events to go to  and things on TV being shown. But this time, I didn't have nothing until I came across the Museum of London's Great Fire of London Family Walk. It is a family friendly, 45 minutes walk, tracing back the steps of the fire. It is a pre-book, popular and paid event. It gets booked up quickly so if interested, check their website https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/event-detail?id=73409 .

You have to meet outside Monument Station. While you are waiting, you can take in the magnificient Monument, which was initially a telescope, but now a symbol of the Fire. Our guide was very nice and talked in a way that wasn't too heavy for the kids. We literally started from where the Fire started to where it ended. Along the way, the kids were asked questions and enacted what could have happened. The kids had plenty of time to ask question and our guide was excellent in answering the curious kids. The group wasn't too big and grown ups also got involved in the interactive bits. As someone who wasn't taught in England, I learned so many things too and a great way to learn about a significant event in history. We finished the tour near the All Hallows Church, where the Fire died down. We were invited to visit the Church which had a museum about the Fire in the basement. The kids opted not to do it as they were  hungry.

The Museum of London also has a permanent gallery of the event.

We were also very lucky with the weather and overall a pleasant day and a great way to learn!

Bath

You know how we love day trips to discover England so over the Christmas we quickly popped up to Bath!


When we arrived, we headed straight to the Roman Baths, walking through old streets. We booked tickets online and it wasn't as expensive as I thought. We had to book in a time slot. Since these were online tickets,  we skipped the queue to go in. On our way in, the kids collected headsets which also had a kid friendly version. They also got hands on a trail around the museum. It is a beautiful place and I was amazed at the history. The kids were so engrossed as to what they were listening. Mahish was jumping up and down dying to tell me what I was looking at. I have never seen him so excited about history. Lucky was in her own world, listening away and walking quick as I was too slow. The baths were beautiful and can't believe the history behind it. We also got to drink the water which tasted a bit weird! We saw all the different hot and cold rooms! It had interactive things to do and the trail also ket them quite busy. It is truly a beautiful place with amazing architecture.

We then headed to see the River Avon while standing on the Pulteney Bridge. The Pulteney Bridge is famous because it is 1 of 4 bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides. It was pretty but the kids were thrilled. We then headed to the No.1 Royal Crescent which is museum taking us back in time to the late 1700s. We decided to go to this museum as it offered something different to what we already done s well as having Christmas themed activities. The kids were handed an activity bag which was a good way to explore the house. The museum had a very Christmas feel with each room explaining how they celebrated Christmas back in the day. The volunteers were very good and helped the kids with their activities. At the end, the  kids were able to make Christmas cards and decorations.  It also had a playroom with a dressing up section too. 

At the end of the day, we were all exhausted but we ticked another beautiful city off our list. 

Tackling racism!

I was born and brought up in France and never did me or or my family experienced racism. We moved here when I was 13 and  again, I didn’t experience racism. 

However, for my kids, it is a different story.  We live in the same area as I was when we moved here from France. Over the past year, my kids have been subject to racism by other kids in the flats we live. These kids are just under 10 but the things that are coming out of their mouths is pure vile. Things like ‘fat Muslim’ , ‘ white is better than brown’ , etc.. are what my kids have heard so far. I have confronted the adults. While one mum was so shocked to hear her son say this and punished her child for that, others have barely acknowledged it or walked off! 

The kids know this is racism. Once they were old enough to understand what I was saying, around 7years old, we talked about how some people look at colour and gender and how wrong this is. And I told them that should their experience sexism or racism, they should call it out and then come to a reliable adult so they can help as well.

I don’t know if this is because of the current political climate but the fact that this is now becoming a regular thing and kids that young are saying such disgusting things isn’t normal. But the best way to tackle racism or any -ism, is to have an open conversation with your kids so they know what is wrong and right.  They also need to know that they have absolute rights to call anybody out on these horrific abuses and not feel threatened by it and that as parents, we’ll be there for support! 

Preparing for grammar schools and secondary school

Child in year 5? Already thinking of secondary schools? Thinking of applying to grammar schools? Confused as to what to do? Here is your Bible from a parent who went through hell and back!

Before I start with anything, I would like to explain what a grammar school is and the special exams, 11+, that the child needs to take in order to considered for such schools. A grammar school is a secondary school which admits students based on abilities (most schools look at academics whereas some schools look at music and sporting abilities). The academic standard they look for is year 7/8 standard by the way so most of the things expected in the exams are not learnt in schools! The reason why parents would like their child to go to a grammar school is because it is more academic then normal schools therefore providing better prospects for the future. However, as with  secondary school, there is a distance limit so if you are not luck enough to live near a grammar school, your child needs to do exceptionally well in the exams for them to be considered for such schools As an Asian, unfortunately, you can't escape the question ' Is your kids doing the 11+?' Parents treat this as an extreme sport. I know parents who start preparing from reception, booking tuition place with popular tuition masters in year 4 and even shifting homes closer to a grammar school! I told you it was an extreme sport!

I wasn't that bad though. I did ask Lucky if she wanted to have a go at these exams. I want my child to have all opportunities to try. She agreed. Maths isn't her strongest topic so we put her to a popular group tuition where she struggled. This tuitions will try and squeeze in so many topics in half a school year so the other half, they can just do practise papers after practise papers. Lucky was overwhelmed and so was I. The kids were just meant to pick it up as fast. So 1-1 tuition was arranged but apparently i was too late as again, there was so much to learn and 1 year isn't enough! Told you it was madness. Anywaysm, along with tuition, Lucky did practise papers at home. The internet had so many worksheets and papers all for free. Grammar school websites also have their practise papers. We also used books such as Bond and CGP to practise. I put Lucky to mock exams which she found quite useful in terms of building confidence and knowing the format of the papers for certain schools. It is quite expensive but if your kid is serious about this, then it is worth a try. They can be found here: https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk. After the exam, they go through common questions and tips on how to answer some questions. A day after the exam, you are sent the marks with a report on how well they did compared to others. It was a good confidence booster for Lucky which will help her in any exams. It was a £70 well spent (per exam).

Around May time, the different grammar schools will start putting up information on application deadline and exam dates so make sure you check carefully. You can't sit the 11+ at a school without registering your child. The exams start in early September,  when your child enters year 6, right up to January. For most, the exams are in September and results in October before the secondary school placement application deadline. Private schools usually are the ones where exams are after October. If you are interested in a private school, there is a fee for applying to sit an exam. There will be an exam and if done well, an interview too!

While on this happening, don't forget that simultaneuously, you need to apply for 'normal' secondary schools. Open evenings happen in September. I didn't know this so by the time, the kids settled back to school and fishing off the 11+ exams, most of the open evenings were over. So my advice will be to note down dates in August itself. You have a choice of 6 schools to apply for. The deadline for applying is October. I took Lucky to a few open evenings as she's the one that needs to feel the schools. It's a great way to see how a school works, how pupils and staff are and have a feel of the environment. If you are a working parent like me, open evenings are also in the evenings or you can arrange your own tour by emailing the school directly. Before applying, make sure both you ad your child agree on your preferences. You'll be surprised to know how many parents apply without consulting their kids but ultimately they are the ones who are going to spend 5-7 years in this school.

Lucky hasn't got into any of the grammar schools but as I always said to her, it was just trying and if anything, this is a good practise for the year 6 SATS exams. The outcomes for our secondary school is in March so fingers crossed, we get the school we want!

Bonjour Paris!

It's hard to think that France, a country with so much culture, history, fashion and lots of yummy patisseries is just round the corner (well not literally but you know what I mean!) It's a country that has a lot to offer with 4 different corners with different weather, cultures and things to do. I'm trying not to be biased by the way but it's so true!

You go to the west, you have the fishing towns with the English weather. You go East, and you can ski down the beautiful Alpine slopes. You go to the hot South and get ready to party like a celeb. There's something for everyone and especially kids.

It was the kids’ first time in France but we were there for a week only so stayed in Paris at my cousin's house, right next to Stade de France.  We took the coach as we tried to be more environmentally friendly but it's quite cheap also! On the day we arrived, we went to see Parc de Villette which is a very popular science museum. During summer time, there's also plenty of fairs happening and would highly encourage you to go to one as it's not like fairs in the UK. It's more like Winter Wonderland in Summer.

If you are back in the country, you have to visit your hometown right? And that's exactly what we've done on our 1st day there. Travelling by bus and train Paris is very easy and straightforward. We had to get tickets everyday but day passes made it cheaper. If you are stuck, the staff at the stations are ready to help and most of them talk English so don't be afraid to ask! Anyways, my hometown Colombes is situated just outside Paris so it took us a while. Once we got there, I showed my kids the nursery and schools I studied in, our flat we used to live in and basically everywhere we used to hang around especially the immense park Ile Marrant (the island of fun). The park changed a quite a but but it still had it's charm. I loved seeing my kids run around the park the same park I used to play in when I was their age and playing with other kids, despite the language barrier. The park has an indoor swimming pool where I used to do my swimming lesson, an indoor ice skating ring where learning ice skating was part of PE at school! After half a day there, we went to meet my BFF in the local shopping centre near La Defense, which is Europe's largest purpose-built business district. I took the kids to the exact supermarket I went with my parents and splashed a bit on French biscuits and patisseries! To end a very hectic day, we visited the Sacre Coeur. This church is very special to me because, even though we we were born Hindu, we visited the church every other month but my dad, would visit the church every Sunday! The merry-go round that me and my brothers used to go on was still there and now my kids were on there.  So we climbed up the hill and nothing can beat THAT view of Paris. It never ceases to amaze me. We went inside and that peace that always enveloped me as a child whenever I stepped in, still did the magic. The kids loved looking around the church and reading about the statues. I told them things I used to do and they also wanted to do it. Once out, we decided to take the stairs down again. Well, that's not exactly how we did it. We SLID  down the ramps. Mahi literally had a huge hole in the back of his shorts because he took sliding to another level (thank God I bought extra change of clothes). The kids loved exploring the tourists shops around. 

The next day, we went proper touristy. We did all the Parisian landmarks. We first visited the Jardin de Luxembourg, taking in the beautiful gardens and the vast amount of space for the kids to play around with their cousins. Next, we went to the Eiffel Tower. The kids didn't want to climb up as there was a queue and I'm pretty sure they were underwhelmed with what they actually saw and  what they see on TV. Anyway, when you got young kids who don't want to walk around, the best way to see Paris is the bateau mouche (river boat cruise) on the river Seine. There is commentary and it's a scenic way to see Paris. The kids enjoyed the cruise, getting excited in seeing places they only saw on TV.  It was about 1hr cruise and it was well worth it. Before we wrapped up for the day, my kids, sharing my love for Diana, we went to see the place where she was killed. Laksha was unusually quiet but I knew she was processing the significance of the place she was standing on. 

The following day, we went to Champs Elysees. I taught the kids the importance of the place and they were mesmerised by the flame which never goes off. We then headed to Versailles for a bit of history. The kids loved the waterworks, pretending to be kings and queens and dancing to the music playing in the background. They loved the maze-like grounds and were running around everywhere. They also had an activity trail they took part which turned into a race between the kids. There's a cute boating lake at the bottom of the royal gardens where we relaxed and saw the people on their pedalos.

The day before we were meant to leave, we went to Disney!!!!!!! We got there before the gates opened at 10am to make sure we have time to enjoy ourself. We did the studio only (I told Laksha that if she did well in her upcoming 11+ exams, I will take her to the main park. I know, I'm a mean mum!)  A whole day can easily be spent there. It is a magical place and no place can compare like it. We did all the rides, saw characters, saw a couple of shows including Lion King and Lilo and Stitch. People say you can do both parks in 1 day but the studios took us a day so do plan 2 days if you want to soak up the experience. The kids literally didn't want to leave as it truly is a magical place. Our time in Paris sadly came to an end.

There were places that I wanted to visit but couldn't due to time limits such as Parc d'Asterix, a theme park based on the comic book of Asterix and Obelix. Although we saw the Louvre when on our river cruise, we didn't go inside. The kids get bored of museums especially art ones so there were dead against going to any museums. They didn't want to do anything they could do in London so we didn't do the wax museum or the aquariums.

Back to school madness!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Who else feels like this? After 2 weeks of no school run, dropping/picking kids from their numerous classes across North West London, no bed time and lie ins, I always dread going back to school. I enjoy having my babies around, spending time with them not worrying about times and just being chilled. Yes sometime they drive me mad but it isn't as bad as parents fear. They still stick to a routine , especially when I am at work, so it keeps their madness down and it works. On my days off, we go out, away from any electronics, which does everyone good. I always go on short breaks because I need a break from everyday life!

A new school term also mean, the fees for the different classes to be paid and when i've done my calculations, without counting the monthly payments for some classes, I have to pay £600! Yes you read that right! £675 for 4 classes that need to be paid per term and I have 3 other classes which require monthly payments. So this is me, sitting right now, after Christmas/New Year festivities, having to fork our about £800!! This is why I also hate the kids going to school too.

Anyways, its now back to school and work. Let the madness begin  once again!

Good luck parents!