February Freebie - Spotlight on...

‘Learn to play, play to learn’ is their motto and all their gamers certainly have lots of fun too.

Cool cards, intriguing boards and collectible dice are just some of the types of games that Imagination Gaming will introduce you to. We guarantee there will be at least a handful that you’ll never have seen before, but give yourself a few minutes playing them and you’ll soon be hooked! All the games have a link to learning but combined with lots of fun and challenge.

Find them at February Freebie…


Imagination Gaming are running loads of activities right across the city during February Freebie 2016. They are suitable for all ages (but mainly from age 5+) and there’s no booking necessary – just turn up! If you need any more information, please contact them on 07957 449572 (if they’re busy playing their amazing games and can’t answer, leave them a message!!)


Tuesday 9th Feb – Stocksbridge Library, Manchester Road, S36 1DH, 10.30am-1.00pm


Tuesday 9th Feb – Parson Cross Library, The Learning Zone, Wordsworth Avenue, S5 8NL, 2.00pm-4.30pm


Wednesday 10th Feb – Sheffield Winter Gardens, City Centre, 10.00am-1.00pm


Wednesday 10th Feb – Highfield Library, London Road, S2 4NF, 2.00pm-5.00pm


Friday 12th Feb – Central Children’s Library, Surrey Street, S1 1XZ, 10.00am-12.30pm


Friday 12th Feb – Ecclesfield Library, 113 High Street, Ecclesfield, S35 9UA




DON’T FORGET: You’ll need to attend a Sheffield school and have a Passport to Learning to access this FREE activity. They are available for £2 from Sheffield libraries.

February Freebie - Spotlight on...

Today our February Freebie spotlight shines brightly on...

Ignite Imaginations provides brilliant, high quality arts activities in areas where there is little opportunity to engage. They aim to create a bespoke, long lasting and inspiring experience. Their mission is “to ignite imaginations by increasing access to high quality creative activities.”

They offer free events and workshops focusing on visual arts and creative writing (including poetry, storytelling, textiles, sculpture, film making, painting, drawing, craft) for all ages and backgrounds. Working in partnership with the community they aim to increase confidence and skill, reduce isolation, promote usage of local spaces and increase pride and ownership over public space. Every project they deliver they aim to leave a legacy through community celebrations, exhibitions, publications or temporary or permanent changes.

Find them at February Freebie…

Join the team in finding out all about your own local community – Where am I from?

- Monday 8th Feb, 1.30pm-3.30pm, Darnall Library, Britannia Road, S9 5JG
   Create your own life stories through clay figure making.

- Tuesday 9th Feb, 2.00pm-4.00pm, Hillsborough Library, Middlewood Road, S6 4HD
   Decorate a ceramic tile telling the story of your life

 - Wednesday 10th Feb, 10.30am-12.30pm, Manor Library, Ridgeway Road, S12 8RB
    Create your family and friends through puppet making

 - Saturday 13th Feb, 10.30am-12.30pm, Totley Library, 205 Baslow Road, S17 4DT
    Decorate a ceramic tile telling the story of your life

All activities are suitable for children aged 7+. Places are limited to 10-15 so booking is required (ring 0114 2686813 to book your place or to find out more)


DON’T FORGET: You’ll need to attend a Sheffield school and have a Passport to Learning to access this FREE activity. They are available for £2 from Sheffield libraries

February Freebie - Spotlight on...

Broomhill Music

Research shows that being actively involved in making music benefits children in lots of ways. It improves their concentration and physical co-ordination, develops listening, memory, speaking and ordering skills, and builds self-confidence.

Making music is always fun, but the groups run by Broomhill Music offer much more than just an enjoyable time on a Saturday morning. They also nurture and develop children's natural music skills. Each session is carefully structured while allowing for creativity and spontaneity and a wide variety of activities ensures everyone is kept constantly active and engaged.




Find them at February Freebie…


Broomhill Music will be delivering 2 sessions as part of February Freebie…


Monday 8th February

10.30am-11.30am – Ecclesall Library, 120 Ecclesall Road South, S11 9PL

2.00pm-3.00pm – Walkley Library, South Road, S6 3TD

Both sessions include action songs, singing, percussion and dancing and are suitable for children aged 4-6 years.


Places are limited, so please contact 0114 2584048 to book your place


DON’T FORGET: You’ll need to attend a Sheffield school and have a Passport to Learning to access this FREE activity. They are available for £2 from Sheffield libraries.

February Freebie - Spotlight on...

...A Mind Apart Theatre Company

Today we take a look at the activities on offer as part of February Freebie.

Why not visit A Mind Apart Theatre Company who are running a whole day of activities as part of their holiday club? There you’ll enjoy meeting new people, making new friends and working together on dance, drama, singing and art projects.

A Mind Apart are a performing arts educational company based in Sheffield, and use creative techniques to open hearts and minds through performing arts. They believe in encouraging people to change, inspiring them to dream beyond circumstances, be themselves, and in turn affect others and their community for the better.

Their holiday clubs ensure the children get drama and performing arts teaching but they are also supported to be imaginative and creative. They use it as a time to encourage the children to express themselves and be creative in a supportive atmosphere, allowing them to gain in confidence but also feel valued for the ideas they have.

Find them at February Freebie…

A Mind Apart Theatre Company will be delivering a FULL DAY of their holiday club for children aged 5-13 years…

Monday 8th February 2016: 10.00am-3.00pm, Chapeltown Scout Hut, Burncross Road, Sheffield, S35 1RX. Places are limited and booking is essential. Contact A Mind Apart directly to book your place and for more info, on 0114 2321172 for more information and to book your place.



DON’T FORGET: You’ll need to attend a Sheffield school and have a Passport to Learning to access this FREE activity. They are available for £2 from Sheffield libraries.

Planning your February half term fun!

The February Children's University Passport to Learning newsletter which includes details of activities across Sheffield happening during the February half term is now available! Click HERE or the link on the side of these page to start planning now!

Children and young people who take along a Passport to Learning will be able to earn additional CU credits at these activities. There's also a list and contact details of our validated Learning Destinations.

During February half term 2016, children and young people can also use their Passport to Learning to access FREE exciting and fun learning activities as part of our February Freebie. There are 40+ activities taking place right across the city, which are completely FREE to children and young people who have a Passport to Learning. Please see the newsletter for further details of these activities.

February Freebie - Spotlight on...

Today, we shine our CU Feb Freebie spotlight on...

...Hype Dance

Located close to the city centre, Hype Dance Academy is one of our longest established Learning Destinations. They offer dance classes with lessons and workshops in Hiphop, street dance, break dance, ballet, jazz, creative dance, body conditioning, pilates, tap, modern and Zumba.

Students are taken from as young as 3 for some subjects, and there’s no upper age limit. Each tutor works to develop students, not just teach them!

They run open classes at various levels as well as exam classes. Open dance classes have no exams, and can be done purely for fun, exercise or personal development and a love of dance!

Exam classes are where students can work towards achieving qualifications through the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) or the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in our dance school.

There is an opportunity for Hype students to take part in many performances and events throughout the year and each class takes part in their annual show during December

Find them at February Freebie 2016…


Hype Dance will be delivering dance workshops for children aged 7-13 years, on four occasions during the half term…





· Monday 8th February, 10.00am-11.30am, Park Library, Duke Street, Sheffield, S2 5QP

· Tuesday 9th February, 10.30am-12.00noon, Stannington Library, Uppergate Road, Sheffield, S6 6BX

· Wednesday 10th February, 10.30am-12.00noon, Southey Library, Moonshine Lane, S5 8RB

· Thursday 11th February, 2.30pm-4.00pm, Chapeltown Library, Nether Ley Avenue, S35 1AE

Places are limited at each activity, so it’s vital that you contact them directly on 0114 2706757 for more information or to book your place.


DON’T FORGET: You’ll need to attend a Sheffield school and have a Passport to Learning to access this FREE activity. They are available for £2 from Sheffield libraries

February Freebie - Spotlight on...

 Each day we count down to our February Freebie 2016, and now, we shine our CU spotlight on...

Family Woodland Activities @ Wincobank Hill
The prehistoric Wincobank HiIl Fort is a Scheduled Monument and is surrounded by ancient woodland of oak, beech and birch. From the top, you have a wonderful view overlooking the Lower Don Valley in Sheffield.

Nearby, runs the route of the Roman Ridge, an ancient earthwork. The history of this is still a mystery, but people used to think it was a Roman road. Some people now think this ridge which runs from Sheffield to Mexborough was created even before Roman times, possibly to mark ancient boundaries.

What a fantastic place to take part in Forest School-type activities with your family, with all the wonderful history around you! The trees are some of the best for climbing in Sheffield, and your secret dens will surely never be found in this amazing environment.

Penny runs Forest School activities throughout the year, as part of the Upper Wincobank Chapel wider programme of activities for people of all ages, and Friends of Wincobank Hill are always looking for new members to join them in their activities to help preserve and celebrate the wonderful Wincobank Hill.

Find them at February Freebie 2016…

Penny is running two activities as part of February Freebie 2016 on Monday 8th February...

10.00am-12 noon, and 1.00pm-3.00pm

The practical woodland fun includes arts and crafts and outdoor adventure (weather permitting!) and is suitable for children aged 4-8 years and older with family groups.

Booking is essential with 15 places available on each session. Contact 07980 143776 to book a place

For both activities, wear suitable clothing for the weather and strong footwear. Meet at Wincobank Chapel, Wincobank Avenue, Sheffield, S5 6BB.



DON’T FORGET: You’ll need to attend a Sheffield school and have a Passport to Learning to access this FREE activity. They are available for £2 from Sheffield libraries.

February Freebie - Spotlight on...

Star Strikers FCA are the focus of our Spotlight on... article for today...

 How about some soccer coaching with Star Strikers FC? Their soccer camps will include a range of sessions from ball skills such as dribbling, shooting and passing, to working as a team and lots of games.

Star Strikers FC are dedicated to providing exciting, educational, fun packed and interactive Football Coaching sessions and mentoring to young people. Their coaching sessions help increase confidence, self-esteem, and footballing ability. Star Strikers develop children’s football skills using educational fun football coaching sessions for children of all abilities.




Find them at February Freebie 2016…

Star Strikers FCA are delivering their holiday club throughout the February Half Term, Monday 8th to Friday 12th February, with each day running between 10.00am and 3.00pm. February Freebie is providing a day session for 16 children throughout the week, although of course, you can attend more than one day and just pay for those!

Sessions take place at Springs Academy, Hurlfield Road, Sheffield, S12 2SF

Places are limited to 16 across the week, so it’s vital that you contact them directly on 07964 227667 for more information or to book your place.


DON’T FORGET: You’ll need to attend a Sheffield school and have a Passport to Learning to access this FREE activity. They are available for £2 from Sheffield libraries

February Freebie - Spotlight on...

Academy of Self Defence

Working with the Academy of Self Defence provides real practical skills for young people as well as allowing them to let off steam at the end of the school day! Children and young people also learn to respect themselves and others, to appreciate the importance of working hard and to enjoy a sense of achievement as they develop new and exciting skills.

Fancy a taste of their action? – then the Academy of Self Defence will be delivering their action-packed workshop as part of February Freebie 2016.





Find them at February Freebie 2016…

Join Garry on Monday 8th February, 2.00pm-3.00pm at Crookes Social Club, Mulehouse Road, S10 1TD. Activities are suitable for children aged 5+ and booking is essential. Contact 07738 909125 to find out more or book a place.

DON’T FORGET: You’ll need to attend a Sheffield school and have a Passport to Learning to access this FREE activity. They are available for £2 from Sheffield libraries.

February Freebie - Spotlight on...

This afternoon, in our countdown to February Freebie 2016, we take a look at

Weston Park Museum

Museums Sheffield: Weston Park is an award-winning, family-friendly museum where the visitors come first. If visiting with children, simply wind up and release, but there is plenty of treasure here for adults too. Discover the real story of Sheffield, from its geological roots to the people, politics and music that shaped our modern city.

Alongside old favourites such as Snowy the Polar Bear and Spike the Woolly Rhino, Weston Park plays host to a series of temporary exhibitions.

In the museum now is a fantastic touring exhibition - Secret Egypt will challenge some of the enduring myths about ancient Egypt - Did aliens build the pyramids?





Find them at February Freebie…

Weston Park Museum will be running a Gallery Maker’s Course during February Freebie 2016 on Monday 8th February, 10.30am-3.30pm. Spend the day with them and learn how to create an outstanding gallery and display museum objects, and even create 3D models too!

The activity is suitable for children in school years 4, 5 and 6. Booking is essential as there are 15 places available so call 0114 2782686 for more information and to secure your place.

DON’T FORGET: You’ll need to attend a Sheffield school and have a Passport to Learning to access this FREE activity. They are available for £2 from Sheffield libraries.

February Freebie - Spotlight on...

In the run upto our fantastic February Freebie 2016, we'll be shining our CU spotlight on each of the wonderful Learning Destinations who will be delivering exciting activities as part of the programme. Today, our first spotlight is on...








Want to find a great way to get fit and stay healthy, to learn how to defend yourself, to meet good friends and have great fun? Then DS Taekwondo is a great place to start! Tae Kwon-Do is a form of unarmed combat that has its origins in ancient Korea and has grown in popularity to become the most widely practiced martial art in the world.


And that’s certainly what DS Taekwondo has on offer for all their members! Usually located at Wesley Hall Church in Crookes, DS Taekwondo have sessions for children aged 5 years+ and their first lesson is FREE!


Find them at February Freebie 2016…



DS Taekwondo are delivering a FULL DAY session for children aged 5-18 years, at their base in Wesley Hall, Crookes Road, S10 1UD on Monday 8th February, 9.00am-3.00pm. Booking is required, so contact 07833 463420 to book your place and for more information.



DON’T FORGET: You’ll need to attend a Sheffield school and have a Passport to Learning to access this FREE activity. They are available for £2 from Sheffield libraries.

February Freebie 2016!

The waiting is over! February Freebie is back and better than ever, and you can now view and download the full programme of activities!

Between Saturday 6th February and Saturday 13th February 2016, there will be over 40 fun-filled activities for you to take part in. And the great news is that if you have a Passport to Learning, they are all completely FREE!

All these activities are happening right across Sheffield, so get involved! All you need to do is:

1. Get a Passport to Learning (available from Sheffield libraries and some Learning Destinations for £2)

2. Get your parent/carer to sign the consent sticker in the front

3. Download our February Freebie leaflet by clicking HERE or pick one up from your local library, school or Learning Destination, choose your activity and book your place! Please be aware that some activities require booking and some require a parent/carer to accompany the child.

4. Have lots of fun!

Make sure you follow us on Twitter (@SheffieldCU) for the latest news on February Freebie 2016 (we’ll be using the hashtag #FebFreebie2016) and find us on Facebook (SheffieldCU) for all the fun of February Freebie 2016!

Science Alive is back!

Building on the success of last year, we are working in partnership with Sheffield University Students Union and Sheffield Volunteering again to bring you Science Alive!

Head down to the Winter Garden on Saturday 20th February between 10am-4pm and take part in lots of fun FREE science themed activities including testing the toughness of chocolate, teddy bear hospital, edible DNA and lots more!

Spark your imagination and bring Science Alive! Don't forget your Passport to Learning! 

February Freebie is BACK!

Happy new year!

We hope you have had a lovely Christmas break. The Sheffield CU team are back and ready to kick off 2016 with our fantastic February Freebie spectacular! Cultural, arts and sports activities are just some of the highlights of a FREE programme planned for the city’s children during the February half term holidays.

Between Saturday 6th February and Saturday 13th February 2016, there will be over 40 fun-filled activities for you to take part in. And the great news is that if you have a Passport to Learning, they are all completely FREE!

All these activities are happening right across Sheffield, so get involved! All you need to do is:

1. Get a Passport to Learning (available from Sheffield libraries and some Learning Destinations for £2)

2. Get your parent/carer to sign the consent sticker in the front

3. In January 2016, download our February Freebie leaflet or pick one up from your local library or Learning Destination, choose your activity and book your place! Please be aware that some activities require booking and some require a parent/carer to accompany the child.

4. Have lots of fun!

Make sure you follow us on Twitter (@SheffieldCU) for the latest news on February Freebie 2016 (we’ll be using the hashtag #FebFreebie2016) and find us on Facebook (SheffieldCU) for all the fun of February Freebie 2016!

Keep your eyes peeled for more information soon! In the meantime, here's a sneak peek at our leaflet..