Year 5 - Cricket
As we approach the final cricket sessions, Year 5 have been actively applying the skills they've learnt throughout the half term in competitive gameplay. They have been perfecting their batting stance, improving bowling techniques and learnt to apply coordinating fielding strategies. They’re not only developing a deeper understanding of tactical play but also demonstrating impressive teamwork and sportsmanship. This experience is enhancing their ability to think strategically under pressure, make quick decisions, and support one another on the field.
Year 3 - P.E- Dance
Today in P.E., Year 3 had an amazing time with Miss Vicky and Miss Sian, who will be teaching the children dance skills throughout this term. The session was filled with energy and excitement as the children enjoyed a fantastic warm-up, followed by learning basic acrobatics, practising cartwheels, and even trying out headstands. Some children felt a bit nervous at first, but everyone tried extremely hard and encouraged each other along the way. A special shoutout goes to our Star Learner, Jacob, for his enthusiasm and for asking fantastic questions.
Year 3- D.T- Running stitch
Building on their skills from Year 2, the little elves have started a new unit on textiles this afternoon, preparing for our school Christmas fair. By the end of this unit, the children will design and create a Christmas-themed pouch, practising essential techniques along the way. Today, they focused on mastering the running stitch, aiming for regular-sized stitches and learning the importance of knotting both ends to secure their work. They also revisited how to thread a needle and tie a knot. Although threading needles and stitching proved challenging today, we’re excited to see their skills and confidence grow as they work toward completing their Christmas creations.
WOW group Harvest Donations to DARE (Darwen Asylum and Refugee Enterprise)
Our WOW (Worship Our Way) group would like to say a huge thank you for your generous donations to DARE (Darwen Asylum and Refugee Enterprise). Patsy from DARE came to collect the donations yesterday and sent a lovely thank you message on behalf of everyone at DARE. Thank you for your kindness and generosity as your donations will really help to make a difference to the lives of others.
Reception: I am Special
This week in PSHE, we thought about how we are all special. Beau said we are all unique. We discussed how we are all not the same and that is ok. Jasper said we all look different. Cassius said we all like different things. We sang a song about being special and thought about things we like and dislike. Some of the children liked things that their friends did not. We discussed how this is ok as we are all special.
Year 3- English- History-Understanding Mummification Through Experiment
In History, this afternoon, Year 3 continued their learning on the Ancient Egyptians with a writing stimulus focused on mummification. To support their writing unit, where they’ll explain the mummification process, the children “mummified” an orange. They cut the orange in half and removed the inside (representing the internal organs), then carefully dried it using a mixture of salt and baking soda. After removing the insides of the orange (just like the Ancient Egyptians removed internal organs), the children carefully dried the inside of the orange using salt and baking soda. This mixture acted like the natron salt the Egyptians used to preserve bodies by drawing out moisture. Next, they filled the orange with more salt and baking soda to prevent decay and dryness. Finally, they wrapped the orange carefully in strips of cloth to resemble linen bandages, just as the Egyptians would have wrapped their mummies. Over the coming days, the oranges will be left to sit, allowing the "mummification" process to take effect. The children will observe any changes and use this experience to help explain the process of mummification in their upcoming writing unit.
Reception: Muddy Monday
Today, our Reception children went for a walk into our local environment. We went on a mile walk to Jack Keys reservoir. The children enjoyed looking at the reservoir, the fallen leaves and loved listening to the birds singing. The children really concentrated on what they could see and hear, exploring spirituality. It was a rainy walk and the children persevered and enjoyed splashing in the puddles too.
Year 5 - Badminton
Year 5 began their badminton unit by starting with a focus on mastering the basics. This week, the children concentrated mainly on learning how to hold a racket correctly and practiced the essential skill of maintaining a rally with a partner. These foundational exercises are helping them develop control, coordination, and confidence as they build up to more advanced skills in the weeks to come.
Welcome back Worship
It was wonderful to welcome the children back into school this morning after the half term break. We had a brilliant singing worship where we created actions for our new song 'life is always better' and our super volunteers led the actions for our 'song of peace'. song. What an uplifting way to start the new half term!
Year 3 - English- Identifying features of an explanation text
In English today, Year 3 looked at the main features of an explanation text. Working in small groups, they wrote step-by-step explanations for different tasks: making a sandwich, helping a plant grow, making a cup of tea, and creating a scroll using papyrus paper. This activity helped them understand how to write clear explanations and allowed them to collaborate and share ideas.
Year 3- R.E- What does it mean to be called by God?
In R.E. today, the children explored what it means to be "called" and shared times when they’ve been asked or called to do something, whether by friends, family, or teachers. They discussed different kinds of tasks they’re asked to do and how they feel when it’s something important versus something they may not want to do. Some shared moments when they didn’t feel skilled enough but tried because they trusted the person asking. This led to a conversation about feeling called by God, with many children expressing that they believe God may send signs through different forms, like weather, friendships, or even a beam of light, to guide and encourage them. They felt this calling could be an invitation to try new things, make good choices, and grow in confidence. It was a wonderful session of reflection.
Cre8ability
This week is our last Cre8ability session. We discussed what we could do when we feel different feelings. To cheer ourselves up, Harry said we could watch a film, Jacob said we could play together, Hendrix said we could go out for a walk and April said we could comfort someone. When we feel an emotion, it takes a minute and a half for us to feel an emotion and then it is the thinking time that happens after which makes an emotion linger. We created a lovely weaving craft today. Thank you so much to Carol and Maria for running such a wonderful group.