1 . Henry Raeburn (1756-1823)

This exhibition of some sixty masterpieces celebrating the life and work of Scotland’s best loved painter, Sir Henry Raeburn, comes to London. Selected from collections throughout the world, it is the first major exhibition of his work to be held in over forty years.

Scottish National Portrait (肖像画) Gallery presents a series of lectures for the general public. They are held in the Lecture Room. Admission to lectures is free.

Monday-Saturday 10.00-17.45             Sunday 12.00-17.45

Last admission to the exhibition: 17.15. There is no re-admission.

Closed: 24-26 December and 1 January.

£4. Children under 12 years accompanied by an adult are admitted free.

A special low entrance charge of £2 per person is available to all in full-time education, up to and including those at first degree level, in organised groups with teachers.

5 . Are you open to exploring Canada for a few weeks, meeting new friends, learning French and participating in unforgettable worthy adventures? Or are you looking for something longer-term where you can dive deep into another language and culture? The Explore or Odyssey Programs may be right for you!

EXPLORE PROGRAMS

Offered during the spring and summer for people with any skill level in French, Explore Programs are language programs which allow you to discover another region of Canada while learning French. There is a three-week Explore Program (ages 13 to 15) and an Explore Program if you’re a student 16 years old or older.

FUNDING

The three-week Explore Program: $2, 000 (taxable income).

The Explore Program for 16+ year olds: $2, 800 (taxable income).

The funding covers the major expenses for participating in the program: fees, teaching materials, workshops, food, accommodation, and most of your activities. Apart from personal spending money you will need to cover registration fees and travel expenses.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA(资格标准)

In order to qualify for the Explore Programs funding, you must:

—be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (those studying in Canada on a student visa are not eligible);

—be 13, 14 or 15 years old by the time your Explore (ages 13 to 15) course begins; and have been a full-time student for at least one term.

There is no age limit for participation in Odyssey, but you do need to meet all the other eligibility requirements.There are no French-language-skill requirements to apply for the Odyssey program.A driver’s licence is not a requirement for selection. However, in some regions, having a licence is preferable.

6 . Homestay provides English language learners with the opportunity to speak English outside the classroom and the experience of being part of a British home.

The host will provide accommodation and meals. Rooms will be cleaned and bedcovers will be changed at least once a week. You will be given the house key and the host is there to offer help and advice as well as to take an interest in your physical and mental health.

Homestays are located in London mainly in Zones 2, 3 and 4 of the transport system. Most hosts do not live in the town centre as much of central London is commercial and not residential (居住的). Zones 3 and 4 often offer larger accommodation in a less crowded area. It is very convenient to travel in London by Underground.

It’s important to note that few English families still provide a traditional cooked breakfast. Your accommodation includes Continental Breakfast which normally consists of fruit juice, cereal (谷类早餐食物), bread and tea or coffee. Cheese, fruit and cold meat are not normally part of a Continental Breakfast in England. Dinners usually consist of meat or fish with vegetables followed by dessert, fruit and coffee.

If you wish to invite a friend over to visit, you must first ask your host’s permission. You have no right to entertain friends in a family home as some families feel it is an invasion of their privacy.

Accommodation on a room only basis includes shared kitchen and bathroom facilities and often a main living room. This kind of accommodation offers an independent lifestyle and is more suitable for the long stay students. However, it does not provide the same family atmosphere as an ordinary homestay and may not benefit those who need to practise English at home quite as much.

7 . Since the beginning of history, people have played games. Children in one country may play games that are quite different from those played anywhere else in the world. Here are some interesting games that you and your friends can try.

The Mouse Game (The Philippines)

In this game, a piece of string is tied to the player’s hand. One part of the string represents (代表) the “cat” while the other part is the “mouse”. The aim of the game is for the cat to catch the mouse and for the mouse to escape just in time. It teaches you to focus and move your fingers fast.

Pinata (Mexico)

A pinata is a colorful box made from papers and filled with sweets and toys. Children are blindfolded and take turns at trying to hit the pinata, which usually hangs (悬挂) on a tree or pole. When someone breaks open the pinata, the children run to get the sweets and toys, which they can take away as gifts. This game improves your sense of direction.

Help (China)

Chasing games are popular all around the world. In China, one player is chosen to be the chaser and runs after the other players until someone is caught. No equipment is needed to play this game, but it helps to run fast and have a loud voice for shouting.

Doorkeeper (Afghanistan)

In the villages of Afghanistan, there is no limit to the number of players who can take part in the game. A small rubber ball is all you need to play the game. It helps to have quick reactions and focus your eyes on the ball because you need to prevent the ball getting into the net.

8 . Planning to get away? Think passport first

If you’re planning to get away from it all this year, you should think passport first. Checking you have a valid passport before you book your trip takes minutes but could save you the trouble and cost of not being able to go.

Renewing (更新) your passport before it runs out

You can renew your passport up to 9 months before it can no longer be legally used. So take the time now and save the tears later.

Applying for a passport for the first time

Our eligibility (资格) checks mean that it takes at least one week to issue (颁发) a passport. So make sure you don’t leave it to the last minute, and apply in plenty of time.

Help with your application is just around the corner

Selected Post Office branches and Worldchoice travel agents offer a Check and Send service that helps you with your application. It’s convenient and you should receive your passport within 2 weeks.

If you need to apply for or renew a passport, you can either:

Pick up a Passport Application Form at Selected Post Office branches and Worldchoice travel agents.

Or call the Application Form Request line on 0901 4700 100 or visit www.passport.gov.uk

If your need is urgent, call 0870 521 0410 for an appointment at one of our offices. We can’t guarantee to see customers without an appointment.