Whole School Worship
During today’s whole school worship, we reflected on what we might give for Lent. We explored how Lent is a time of sacrifice, remembering Jesus’ sacrifice, but also a time to give — not only by giving something up, but by giving more of ourselves. We thought about how we can share smiles, kindness, love and live out our Christian values in simple, meaningful ways each day. The children shared thoughtful ideas about small changes they could make, both at school and at home, to show patience, forgiveness and generosity. We also focused on this week’s Kindness Kite theme, “Share what you have,” reminding ourselves that even the smallest act of generosity — sharing time, helping a friend or offering encouraging words — can make a big difference to others.
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Whole School Worship - Ramadan
During worship, we were also treated to a special and informative reflection on Ramadan, thoughtfully led by Miss Kachwalla. The session helped us to understand the importance of this sacred month in Islam — a time of prayer, fasting, reflection and generosity. We learned about how Muslims around the world show dedication, self-discipline and compassion during Ramadan, and how values such as kindness, gratitude and community are central to this time. It was a wonderful opportunity to deepen our understanding, celebrate diversity within our school community and reflect on the shared values that bring us together. We also looked at the similarities between Lent and Ramadan and how they were both important times to give to others and give food up or fast to feel closer to God.
Year 1 RE: Signs of Spring
In our RE lesson today, we went on a walk to spot the Signs of Spring. We were looking for growth, colour, new life and change. On our way, we saw lots of new flowers starting to grow and blossom. The trees are starting to change from Winter and growing their leaves. Year 1 also saw lots of squirrels on their way. As it is Spring, we also walked in lots of rain and noticed that the rivers are starting to fill. We may have to go on another walk in a few weeks to see more changes as Spring progresses.
Year 1 Science: Absorbent or Waterproof
This week, we have learnt two new words: absorbent and waterproof. If something is absorbent, it will soak up water and if something is waterproof, water will not go inside the object and will drip off. In groups, we tested different objects made from a variety of materials to see if they are absorbent or waterproof. After that, we did a rainbow water test. We made 3 colours of water and used an absorbent tissue to dip into each cup. The tissue soaked up the water and changed colours, which was very exciting.
Friday Celebration Worship
What a wonderful and incredibly busy first week back we have had in school. On Monday we welcomed special visitors into our school and they were so impressed with the children’s beautiful behaviour, their hard work and their fantastic oracy skills. We are so proud of the way our children represent our school community. A huge thank you to Miss Kachwalla for organising Mad Science, it was a brilliant experience and the children absolutely loved it. This week we have also spent time reflecting on Lent, thinking carefully about what we might give up and how we can grow closer to God during this special season. It has been lovely to see so many children taking part in our amazing after-school clubs and joining in with the Big Winter Wander. We are delighted to celebrate our Values Award winners this week. In Reception, Mason and Phoebe have shown our school values so beautifully. In Year 1, well done to Thea. In Year 2, congratulations to Joey. In Year 3, Alice and Evie have impressed us all. In Year 5, well done to Miles, and in Year 6, congratulations to Beau. Our Pen Licence this week goes to Scarlett in Year 4, what a fantastic achievement for your presentation and handwriting. In our Team Values results, fourth place goes to Darwen Tower, third place to Whitehall Park, second place to India Mill and in first place this week is River Darwen. A huge well done to River Darwen who will get to wear their own clothes on Friday for their disco, enjoy your celebration. We also have so many wonderful sporting achievements to celebrate. Alice has been awarded a trophy in cheerleading for coming second place. Bowen has received a football trophy for his excellent skills. Ida and Layla have both earned a badge for riding trot in horse riding. Phoebe has achieved her 10m swimming certificate and Stage 3. Olivia and Eleanor have earned a Rainbows badge for baking, trying different foods, completing a duck hunt and caring for animals carefully, and Eleanor has also achieved a water skills certificate. Maggie has been awarded a purple belt in martial arts for her fantastic kicking and punching, as well as achieving Stage 3 in gymnastics. Annabelle has received the hardest worker certificate in dance and has the amazing opportunity to go to New York for a dance show, we are so proud. Callie and Charlie have both achieved their 50m swimming certificates. Lyla has won medals in dancing. Seb and Scarlett have received certificates from a sports club during the half-term holidays and Scarlett's netball team also won the league. Tristan has been awarded a purple belt for punching and blocking. Ted has won a huge trophy for BMX racing for coming second in his age category. Lydia has awarded Olivia from Brownies for being kind and helpful. Grace has achieved dance medals for coming second and third. A special well done to our Year 5 football team who played six games, drawing two, narrowly losing one game 1–0, and winning three – a fantastic effort and great teamwork. Well done to Year 1 and Year 3 for achieving the highest attendance this week, your commitment to being in school every day really does make a difference. Looking ahead, we are excited for World Book Day next week. On Tuesday we have special Pinocchio dance workshops and a performance to look forward to. Don't forget to get your dolly peg book character entries in too. On Thursday, children can either dress as a book character or come in their pyjamas. Reception will be performing for Mother’s Day on Friday 13th March and we warmly invite families to join us for our Mother’s Day Sunday Service at church on Sunday 15th March where all of our children are welcome to sing to their Mums. Thank you to Olivia and Ava for leading us in our prayers this week.
Year 1 PE: Balancing
In our first specialist gymnastics session, we focused on balancing. We had different stations, which allowed us to balance different parts of our bodies, sometimes our legs or arms. This showed us the importance of balance as a gymnast.
Mad Science Assembly-Going for Gold with Scientific Erica
Today, our students were treated to a spectacular, high-energy show by "Scientific Erica" from Mad Science. From Olympic-themed fire demonstrations to using gas to inflate giant balloons, the room was filled with "wow" moments and non-stop laughter. Under the expert supervision of Erica, a trained professional in chemical and fire safety, the children stepped into the role of scientists, making predictions and testing their theories in real-time. It was a memorable day that proved science is as much fun as it is educational! A special shout-out goes to our Science Ambassadors, who were a fantastic help throughout the event. Children in Years 1-4 have been given a letter with information about a Mad Science after school club next half term. It starts 13th April with new topics. Deadline date to register is 03.03.26. First come, first served. https://northengland.madscience.org/signin.aspx?successURL=%2fmyschedule
Year 1 English: Enjoying Traditional Rhymes
Today, we enjoyed a variety of different traditional rhymes. In groups, the children had to look at the clues around the room and sing the traditional rhyme to match. We sang Humpty Dumpty, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Five Little Ducks and Incy Wincy Spider. We noticed that traditional rhymes all have rhyming words, repetition and should be sung. Finally, we annotated Five Little Ducks.
Year 1 History: Our Favourite Toys
Today, we started our new topic in History: toys from the past. We started by bringing in our favourite toys from home and comparing these to pictures of old toys such as a ball and cup and wooden rocking horse. We noticed that our toys are mainly plastic and fabric materials. Then, we wrote about our favourite toys and shared them with each other to play together.
Year 1: Big Winter Wander
We had such a lovely Big Winter Wander today. It really did feel like a Bear Hunt, long wavy grass, thick oozy mud, a deep cold river and even a swirling whirling snowstorm! The children behaved wonderfully and represented the school well. What a brilliant way to end Children's Mental Health Week by getting out in the fresh air! Donations to WWF can be made here: https://socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-nzymxvnokwdn?currentTab=feed
Year 1 English: Making Sandwiches
In English, we swapped our instructions with a partner and they had to follow the instructions to make the sandwich. Then, they had to rate their partners instructions and check that they had included time conjunctions, imperative verbs and adverbs. Finally, we got to eat them!
Year 1: A Pancake Treat
Year 1 had a very exciting treat today, yummy pancakes made by professional bakers. They have worked extremely hard all half term and definitely deserved a treat! It was lovely to see the children using their manners when asking for their toppings too.