Image of Online Safety: Shopping Platforms
24 Apr

Online Safety: Shopping Platforms

Everyone loves an online deal! The trouble is, scammers know that too – so they often lurk around online marketplaces, hoping to fleece the unwary. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide has tips for staying safe on shopping apps. Download here >> https://bit.ly/3QgvsKs

Image of Online Safety: Energy Drinks
17 Apr

Online Safety: Energy Drinks

A hefty boost of energy during a slump can be a massive help but drinks loaded with caffeine are far from the best option. This #WakeUpWednesday, we're addressing the risks of consuming energy drinks and showcasing healthier alternatives. Download here >> https://bit.ly/3W0dDCU

Image of Online Safety: WhatsApp Breaking News!
12 Apr

Online Safety: WhatsApp Breaking News!

Breaking news! WhatsApp has lowered its age limit to 13! With potentially more young people joining the chat, it is even more important that parents and educators are fully aware of the risks associated with this platform. Refresh your knowledge and get expert advice on keeping children safe online with our Wake Up Wednesday Guide Download here >> https://bit.ly/3t0WKLY

Image of Online Safety: Managing Exam Stress
10 Apr

Online Safety: Managing Exam Stress

“You may turn your papers over … now.” ⏱✏️ With SATs only around a month away, our timely #WakeUpWednesday guide has some expert advice on helping children and young people to manage their pre-test stress

Image of Online Safety: Clickbait
27 Mar

Online Safety: Clickbait

The 10 Worst #OnlineSafety Fails (You Won’t Believe Number 6) That get your attention? Clickbait works by appealing to our emotions and curiosity – but where exactly do those links lead? Download our #WakeUpWednesday guide and find out Download here >> https://bit.ly/4axHN4K

Image of Online Safety: Encouraging open conversations at home
20 Mar

Online Safety: Encouraging open conversations at home

It’s good to talk. Whatever the problem, an honest chat - delivered with a little compassion - can help. This #WakeUpWednesday, our guide has expert tips on encouraging and maintaining open conversations with children. Download >> https://bit.ly/49iJ2nn

Image of Reception: Junior jam
20 Mar

Reception: Junior jam

Our Ducklings had a special treat this afternoon and our junior jam staff delivered a computing lesson where Reception could use an iPad and create an image of themselves. They followed instructions well and took turns with the iPad. Well done Reception!

Image of Year 3: Computing
20 Mar

Year 3: Computing

The children have been enjoying creating a short stop motion clip on the tablets this term. This week they have been using a green screen to edit the background on their clips.

Image of Online Safety: Developing Healthy Sleep Patterns
13 Mar

Online Safety: Developing Healthy Sleep Patterns

Irony klaxon. This week, #WakeUpWednesday is all about going to sleep! We’ve got together with Minds Ahead to bring you some expert tips on helping children and young people to develop a healthy sleeping pattern.

Image of Online Safety: Tekken 8
7 Mar

Online Safety: Tekken 8

#WakeUpWednesday … WINS! This week’s knockout guide fills parents and educators in on the latest edition of the fighting game Tekken – highlighting potential #OnlineSafety risks and suggesting how to help young gamers play more safely. Download >> bit.ly/3v0UtSw

Image of Online Safety: Experiencing Bullying
28 Feb

Online Safety: Experiencing Bullying

Hard to identify and even harder to stop. Bullying continues to be a problem which can ruin young lives: this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide has expert advice for trusted adults on ways to support young people who are being bullied.

Image of Year 6 Computing
22 Feb

Year 6 Computing

This week, year 6 started to create their own storyboards using the programme Scratch in computing.

Image of Online Safety: Self-regulation
21 Feb

Online Safety: Self-regulation

Learning the art of emotional control. Young ones can sometimes find it difficult to manage their feelings – this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide has expert advice on how trusted adults can help children learn to self-regulate. Download >> https://bit.ly/3OSiIc2

Image of Year 4 Safer Internet Day Rap
8 Feb

Year 4 Safer Internet Day Rap

Today we had a special Safer Internet Day Worship with each class performing their very own raps. Year 4 collaborated on an extra special one and it was great to see them perform in front of the rest of the school and bust their moves. Well done Year 4!

Image of Safer Internet Raps
8 Feb

Safer Internet Raps

*PROUD POST* A huge well done to Years 1-4 for their fantastic safer internet raps this morning & to Year 5 for introducing our safer internet worship. Please have a watch of the videos on class dojo. After the Safer Internet Day worship on Tuesday, Mrs Wilkinson set them the challenge of performing a rap to the whole school to advise them how to keep safe online. This week is also Children’s Mental Health week and the theme is My Voice Matters so this was a great opportunity for the children to use their voice. Some of the children were nervous about performing in front of the whole school but they showed lots of courage and did brilliantly. Over the next few years we are going to be involved in an oracy project with our Trust called Voice 21. This will develop our children’s oracy skills and develop their confidence when speaking in small groups and large groups. Well done, you are superstars!

Image of Year 4 - Safer Internet Day
7 Feb

Year 4 - Safer Internet Day

In Year 4, we celebrated Safer Internet Day by writing our online safety rap. We practised performing it and we can’t wait to show the rest of the school on Thursday.

Image of Online Safety: Monkey
7 Feb

Online Safety: Monkey

It’s a jungle out there! If a platform where young people can video chat with random strangers sounds like an #OnlineSafety risk which is – quite frankly – bananas, you’ll want to check out our #WakeUpWednesday guide to Monkey. Download >> https://bit.ly/42vYVVA

Image of Year 2 - Junior Jam
7 Feb

Year 2 - Junior Jam

In Music this week, the children continued to work as a whole class with the boom whackers to create a song. In computing, the children created their own games learning how to add complications within them.

Image of Year 3- P.S.H.E- Online Safety
7 Feb

Year 3- P.S.H.E- Online Safety

This afternoon, we learnt about how to stay safe online. We discussed the importance of speaking to a trusted adult before joining groups, downloading apps and thinking about the information you share online. The children then created a rap in small groups ready to perform to the whole school.

Image of Safer Internet Day
6 Feb

Safer Internet Day

This morning our whole school enjoyed a special worship, focusing on how to stay safe on the internet to celebrate Safer Internet Day. We discussed why it is important to raise awareness. We looked at what technology looked like compared to now. We then looked at what can happen online and how important it is that we know what to do if we come across something that makes us feel uncomfortable. The children discussed how we can speak to Mrs Ham, Mrs Wilkinson, our teachers, our sports coaches and our families if we feel we have seen something we shouldn’t have. We also discussed why our parents might check our devices and how our grown ups, including our teachers always want to keep us safe. We then joined lots of other schools from all around the country on a special assembly to discuss safe and unsafe things which may happen online. The importance of passwords, checking the settings so they aren’t sharing information with people they don’t know and also what to do if people they don’t know try to contact them online. Every Wednesday, we post guidance on how to keep safe online. Please have a look and discuss the National Online Safety posters with your children. The online world can be wonderful as long as we know how to use it safely.

Image of Reception celebrate Safer Internet Day
6 Feb

Reception celebrate Safer Internet Day

We read the story of Jessie and friends which was all about keeping safe online. We discussed what to do if we feel worried or if something doesn’t feel right. We discussed how we should always tell someone. Percy said to tell our grandparents, Vienna said Mrs Thompson, Ida said Mrs Wilkinson, Millie said your older brother or sister, Holly said Mrs Ham, Joey said Miss Reynolds, Cici said your parents, Samuel said your Aunty and Uncle and Ed said Mrs Govan.

Image of National Online Safety: Safer Internet Day 2024
6 Feb

National Online Safety: Safer Internet Day 2024

It's #SaferInternetDay! The National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday guides are available to download for free, empowering our whole school community to keep children safe in the online world. We post one every Wednesday so please looo out of them! Explore hundreds of resources for parents, carers and educators >> https://bit.ly/3KPyuDh #OnlineSafety #OnlineSafetyDay #SaferInternetDay2024

Image of Online Safety: Persuasive Design Online
31 Jan

Online Safety: Persuasive Design Online

#SaferInternetDay is nearly here! Reflecting the “managing influence” strand of this year’s theme, our #WakeUpWednesday guide unpacks ‘persuasive design’ – and uncovers some common but often hidden #OnlineSafety risks to young people. Download >> https://bit.ly/3HEhihl

Image of Year 3 Computing - Creating Characters
31 Jan

Year 3 Computing - Creating Characters

The children enjoyed creating their own characters today. They had to make a character that looked like them then a character that looked completely different.

Image of Online Safety: MyLOL
24 Jan

Online Safety: MyLOL

FYI … it’s MyLOL: A “dating app for teens” poses evident #OnlineSafety risks – especially when its age verification is far from robust. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide tells parents and carers what they need to know. Download >> https://bit.ly/3Ueo5pK

Image of Year 3- Class Worship- Is an e-reader better than a book?
18 Jan

Year 3- Class Worship- Is an e-reader better than a book?

Today in class worship, we watched this week's story on reading. Year 3 had the opportunity to read from cereal boxes, leaflets, letters, magazines, game instructions, and emails. Some children like reading on screens, especially cereal boxes during breakfast. But most think reading from a real book is better because you can touch and feel it, and some books have cool stuff you can touch and smell. We acknowledged that learning to read requires perseverance and resilience, qualities for which we can take responsibility and we are lucky to have many chances to read. Books can take us to new and exciting places, and we're thankful for the gift of reading, thanking God for everything, especially the ability to learn to read.

Image of Online Safety: Smartphone safety
17 Jan

Online Safety: Smartphone safety

Smart phone – smart user? A whopping 98% of over-12s in the UK now have their own phone, with many younger children also using one regularly. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide has expert tips to help them avoid #OnlineSafety risks Download for FREE here >> https://bit.ly/3U3tsrp

Image of Year 1-Using Purple Mash on the tablets
11 Jan

Year 1-Using Purple Mash on the tablets

Year 1 have been using the tablets to complete their 2dos on Purple Mash today. They really enjoyed using the tablets in class and we’re looking forward to using them more in the coming weeks. They completed challenges linked with 2D and 3D shapes and linked to spelling common exception words. 

Image of Online Safety: Free speech vs Hate speech
10 Jan

Online Safety: Free speech vs Hate speech

Out of order? Or simply outspoken? This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide can help young people to recognise the difference between free speech and hate speech – and to understand why this complex area is an #OnlineSafety risk Download >> https://bit.ly/3S8wSb4

Image of Online Safety: Setting up parental controls on new devices
20 Dec

Online Safety: Setting up parental controls on new devices

Safe to use right out of the box? This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide explains how to set up parental controls on some of the most popular internet-enabled devices – reducing #OnlineSafety risks while increasing the festive fun! Download >> https://bit.ly/41LLOzn

Image of Whole School -Design Technology- Christmas Fayre
14 Dec

Whole School -Design Technology- Christmas Fayre

This term in Design and Technology (D.T.), children from every class have been busy creating special things with a purpose. They showed off their creations at our school's Christmas fayre. Reception made cute Christmas decorations, Year 1 made Christmas-themed characters that move from a book, Year 2 put together yummy fruit kebabs, Year 3 crafted pouches, Year 4 made stockings, Year 5 created comfy cushions, and Year 6 invented their own steady hand game. Everyone should be proud of what they made because when parents and visitors saw the products, they were amazed! Each class did a fantastic job turning their creativity into awesome projects.

Image of Online Safety: Tech-free Christmas
13 Dec

Online Safety: Tech-free Christmas

“Check pitfalls with #WakeUpWednesday! Tra-la-la-la-laaa …” Stressed about presents – or loved ones STAYING present? We gift you some top tips for reducing your family’s screen time and enjoying a merry tech-free Christmas! Download >> https://bit.ly/4ali6oH

Image of Boccia event
6 Dec

Boccia event

Super proud of these four boys on Friday. We went to QEGS for a Boccia competition and they represented school so well and not only that they played their socks off! We just missed out on qualifying for the final. We are super proud of you all ⭐️

Image of Online Safety: Disney +
6 Dec

Online Safety: Disney +

‘Tis the season for family movie nights. Many parents will be turning to Disney+ for exactly that reason – but how free from #OnlineSafety risks is the House of Mouse’s streaming service? Our #WakeUpWednesday guide delves into Disney+ Download >> https://bit.ly/485Ykve

Image of Online Safety: The Online Safety Act
29 Nov

Online Safety: The Online Safety Act

New laws, new responsibilities? With the Online Safety Act now coming into effect, our #WakeUpWednesday guide this week highlights some key areas that the fresh legislation covers – and what this means for UK education providers Download >> https://bit.ly/47WzvSG

Image of Online Safety: Black Friday and Cyber Monday
22 Nov

Online Safety: Black Friday and Cyber Monday

There are bags of #OnlineSafety pitfalls to watch out for on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide has tips to help defend your money while you discover the discounts . Download >> https://bit.ly/47JgQJF

Image of Year 2 - Computing
22 Nov

Year 2 - Computing

During Junior Jam this week, the children have been building on their knowledge of Blockly from previous learning. The children had a really fun session this week as they explored logical thinking and how algorithms work to create software such as games. They really enjoyed playing games and seeing how those algorithms worked to create fun, engaging and exciting games.

Image of Online Safety: Smart TVs
15 Nov

Online Safety: Smart TVs

Are you watching TV? Or is the TV watching YOU? As internet-enabled televisions become the norm, this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide has some useful #OnlineSafety tips to help parents ensure their children are viewing safely Download >> https://bit.ly/47w5VD5

Image of Year 3 - Computing - Algorithms
15 Nov

Year 3 - Computing - Algorithms

This term in computing we are learning all about computer science, coding and algorithms. This week the children had great fun creating algorithms to try and make shapes.

Image of Online Safety: Microtransactions
8 Nov

Online Safety: Microtransactions

Does “free to play” really mean what it says? Many hit games cost nothing to download but make their money via microtransactions – a growing #OnlineSafety concern for parents of young gamers. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide has the details.

Image of Online Safety: X
1 Nov

Online Safety: X

Would you get an A for your knowledge of X? This #WakeUpWednesday, our free guide tells parents and carers about the #OnlineSafety risks – both new and familiar – to stay alert for on the platform formerly known as Twitter. Download >> https://bit.ly/3Mq6t5p

Image of Online Safety: EA Sports FC 24
18 Oct

Online Safety: EA Sports FC 24

The most exciting signing of the season? EA Sports FC 24, “the new FIFA”, has arrived … but how well does it defend against #OnlineSafety threats? Our #WakeUpWednesday guide has the essential info for parents of young football fans. Download >> https://bit.ly/3tzZeBe

Image of Online Safety: Roblox
13 Oct

Online Safety: Roblox

Building your knowledge! The massively popular world-creation game Roblox has finally been released on PlayStation. Our updated #WakeUpWednesday guide reminds parents of the potential #OnlineSafety risks to watch out for. Download for FREE here >> https://bit.ly/3QhfZu7

Image of Music - Composing Music digitally in Year 4
12 Oct

Music - Composing Music digitally in Year 4

In our Junior Jam computing session we have been composing music and then evaluating pieces using constructive criticism. The children listened really carefully to each music piece shared and evaluated respectfully.

Image of Year 3 - PSHE - Be Internet Legends
12 Oct

Year 3 - PSHE - Be Internet Legends

Today we joined an online assembly hosted by Google. We talked about how to be internet legends and to stay safe online, how we feel about using the Internet and about limiting our time to try and keep a healthy balance.

Image of Wellbeing Worship
12 Oct

Wellbeing Worship

This morning, year 6 took part in a virtual wellbeing worship. The focus of the session was that any time spent online should make you feel good and not bad. One of the presenters compared online time to eating doughnuts and explained that although doughnuts are very tasty, too many of them would not be good for you. This applies for screen time too.

Image of Online Safety: Among us
4 Oct

Online Safety: Among us

Among Us: fairly safe, or pretty sus? Our updated #WakeUpWednesday guide to the hugely popular sci-fi deduction game tells parents and carers of young Among Us fans which #OnlineSafety risks they need to be watchful for. Download >> https://bit.ly/3LNQQ7D

Image of Year 3 - Computing - Making Music
4 Oct

Year 3 - Computing - Making Music

During our computing lesson this week we are continuing to create music on the app GarageBand. The children are really enjoying putting together different beats and instruments to create their own songs.

Image of Year 6 Internet Safety
21 Sep

Year 6 Internet Safety

In today’s class worship time, year 6 focused on being internet legends. This week, they looked in more detail at how things aren’t always real online and how people may want you to believe something or possibly influence you to do something. They were made aware of different rules that can help to keep us safe online, such as: - if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. - Don’t share personal information. - Don’t visit sites that don’t have a padlock in the address bar. - Be alert when playing online games.

Image of Year 2- Computing.
20 Sep

Year 2- Computing.

In music this week Year 2 have been creating their own piece of dance music by using app “garage band” on the iPad.

Image of Online Safety: WhatsApp
20 Sep

Online Safety: WhatsApp

97 million messages. Every. Single. Minute. Our updated #WakeUpWednesday parents’ guide to WhatsApp examines the latest features on the world’s most-used messaging app – and what #OnlineSafety issues they might raise for children. Download >> https://bit.ly/3t0WKLY

Image of Year 5 - Be internet legends
14 Sep

Year 5 - Be internet legends

This morning year 5 participated in the be internet legends live assembly. The assembly discussed all the key aspects of online safety and why it is important to remain safe online. They discussed how the internet was an amazing platform for people and how it has changed to world to make things more accessible to people. The assembly discussed the potential threats that can happen online and how to avoid them and know when to alert a trusted adult of a potential danger. They gave lots of tips and advice how to maximise your online activity while remaining as safe as possible. The key aspects the assembly discussed are: - Be sharp - Be alert - Secure - Kind - Brave

Image of Year 4 Be Internet Legends Class Worship
14 Sep

Year 4 Be Internet Legends Class Worship

This morning we took part in a live assembly called Be Internet Legends. We looked at the importance of internet safety focusing on being sharp and think before we share. We took part in live shout outs and shared our summer experiences. We will now look at the 3 key reminders regarding our passwords in our next PSHE session: 1- use strong passwords 2- never tell people your passwords 3- don’t share passwords in shared drives

Image of Year 3- Be Internet Legends Back to School Assembly
14 Sep

Year 3- Be Internet Legends Back to School Assembly

Today, the Year 3 class joined the live assembly delivered by 'Be Internet Legends'. During the assembly, the children learned about online safety, how to protect themselves and using strong passwords. Five key points that were highlighted throughout the session were; Sharp, Alert, Secure, Kind and Brave — these are designed to equip children with the key skills needed to stay safe online including critical thinking and empathy.

Image of Year 1- Be Internet Legends
14 Sep

Year 1- Be Internet Legends

Year 1 watched the ‘Back to School- Be Internet Legends Assembly.’ We learnt and discussed some very important ways of staying safe on the internet. We know that we should not share information such as our full name, the school we go to or where we live with anyone over the internet and that we should have a tricky password that is hard to guess when we are creating one.

Image of Online Safety: Setting Boundaries
13 Sep

Online Safety: Setting Boundaries

Parents and carers have entered the game! Power up this #WakeUpWednesday with our practical tips to setting gaming boundaries – a useful tactic for helping to protect your young gamer from #OnlineSafety hazards while they play. Download >> bit.ly/44W4VGx

Image of Year 3- Maths- How to access T.T Rockstars?
12 Sep

Year 3- Maths- How to access T.T Rockstars?

The Year 3 class were introduced to T.T Rockstars today. They successfully learned how to access and log in to the platform and had the opportunity to play a single game. They were super keen to get home and continue practising. T.T Rockstars is an engaging online platform designed to help students improve their multiplication and division skills through fun and interactive games.

Image of Year 2- Computing and Music
6 Sep

Year 2- Computing and Music

Our first week back has been great so far. We started off our morning with computing. In computing this week we’ve been looking at creating our own music production by using the iPads.

Image of Year 3- Maths- How does Learning by questions work?
6 Sep

Year 3- Maths- How does Learning by questions work?

Today in maths, Year 3 had the exciting opportunity to set up their accounts on LBQ for the first time. They did a fantastic job using these new tools. They also had the opportunity to complete a lesson on recognising the place value of two-digit numbers.

Image of Online Safety: Live Streaming
6 Sep

Online Safety: Live Streaming

Has live streaming brought a flood of risks? Many young people enjoy broadcasting on the internet in real time – but not knowing who might be watching is just one of the #OnlineSafety hazards, as our #WakeUpWednesday guide explains. Download >> https://bit.ly/3r1s5xp

Image of Year 3 - Junior Jam
6 Sep

Year 3 - Junior Jam

We have thoroughly enjoyed having Junior Jam back this week. We have been learning how to say “My name is…” in French along with recapping some words we learnt in Year 2. In computing we have been making some fantastic music and beats on Garage Band and in music we have be learning how to play the ukulele.

Image of Online Safety: Summer
12 Jul

Online Safety: Summer

Here comes the summer! Being realistic, the long school holiday probably equates to increased screen time for many children. Our #WakeUpWednesday poster has some pointers to help young ones steer clear of common #OnlineSafety risks Download >> https://bit.ly/3rntYnY

Image of Reception Junior Jam
5 Jul

Reception Junior Jam

Today in junior jam the children had a music lesson, focusing on the role of a conductor. The children were able to name lots of different instruments in an orchestra. We watched a video of a conductor and discussed what they do. We then played a music game called Popcorn where the children copied the actions and followed the music by tapping, stamping, patting and snapping. In our French lesson, the children remembered how to say hello and they knew their numbers up to 10 in french with the help of a song. We then played a game of hide and seek with the numbers to see if we could remember them. The children also played a counting game where they were able to count the pictures of sweets and chocolate in french. They then learned head, shoulders, knees and toes. In our Computing session, the children learned the difference between a photograph and a video. They then went onto the iPads and went on the sketch app to create their own animals. The children showed the Christian value of respect to our junior jam teachers.

Image of Year 3 Computing
5 Jul

Year 3 Computing

During computing Year 3 were talking about GPS, considering the positives and negatives to using GPS. They then went on to use GPS to track down people who had stolen some money from a bank.

Image of Online Safety: Rumble
5 Jul

Online Safety: Rumble

Get ready… to… Rumble! This video-sharing platform has surged in popularity – but with #OnlineSafety risks including controversial contributors and extreme views, is it suitable for young people? Our #WakeUpWednesday guide finds out. Download >> https://bit.ly/44a0cli

Image of Year 2 - Creating Animations
5 Jul

Year 2 - Creating Animations

Year 2 have been looking and creating a variety of animations that solve particular problems. They worked creatively to solve issues and using their ICT skills they created exceptional animations.

Image of Online Safety: Amino
28 Jun

Online Safety: Amino

Is Amino a no-no? It’s a social media platform which encourages interaction and user-generated content – but should young people be amenable to Amino? Our #WakeUpWednesday guide has the essential #OnlineSafety info you need. Download >> https://bit.ly/44nRZt8

Image of Online Safety: AI Chatbots
21 Jun

Online Safety: AI Chatbots

“How are you today?” AI chatbots are among the most talked-about digital developments of recent times, but how safe are they for young people? This week’s #WakeUpWednesday assesses these ‘virtual friends’ from an #OnlineSafety perspective. Download >> https://bit.ly/42PExNL

Image of Online Safety: Money Muling
14 Jun

Online Safety: Money Muling

“Easy cash, no strings attached” Young people are being recruited via social media to serve as money mules, ‘washing’ illegal funds through their bank accounts. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide profiles this developing #OnlineSafety risk Download >> https://bit.ly/3Nt8Zss

Image of Year 2 - Creating ICT postcards
25 May

Year 2 - Creating ICT postcards

Year 2 have been looking at mixed media to design and create their own unique postcards. They have explored lots of creative techniques to ensure that their postcards are appealing and stand out to the reader. They have used the draw tools to create a unique design, they have used a variety of textures and techniques to create background and inputted text.

Image of Online Safety: Influencers
24 May

Online Safety: Influencers

Under the influence? For many young people, social media influencers are ‘the new rock stars’ – but how much of these emerging celebrities’ content can really be trusted? Our #WakeUpWednesday highlights potential #OnlineSafety risks Download >> https://bit.ly/3MuGbhK

Image of Year 2 - Computing
19 May

Year 2 - Computing

During computing year 2 have been exploring programming and creating their very own art work about themselves. They used strip design to create a cover sheet all about themselves and used their creative designs to make their own unique piece.

Image of Online Safety: Well-being Online
17 May

Online Safety: Well-being Online

It’s given us online gaming, social media and streaming but the internet also exposes us to things that don’t make us feel good about ourselves. Our #WakeUpWednesday poster has some simple tips for protecting young people’s wellbeing Download >> https://bit.ly/3pL5mos

Image of Year 5 - Computing - Advertisements
17 May

Year 5 - Computing - Advertisements

Today for computing we have been writing a script for a radio advert. The children were also playing a game on the iPad guessing logos of many popular products.

Image of Year 1 Bug Club Phonics
11 May

Year 1 Bug Club Phonics

Year 1 have been using chrome books to log onto Bug Club Phonics and complete different activities linked to the sounds and tricky words they have been learning in class.

Image of Online Safety: Telegram
10 May

Online Safety: Telegram

Special delivery: it’s Telegram. This popular messaging app boasts formidable encryption and speedy delivery – so why is it often regarded as an #OnlineSafety risk? Our #WakeUpWednesday guide helps you read between the lines on Telegram. Download >> https://bit.ly/3pr0GDS

Image of Reception- Junior Jam
10 May

Reception- Junior Jam

Today, reception have participated in some junior jam sessions. The children revisited how to say ‘hello’ and how to say numbers ‘1-3' in French. We were really impressed that they remembered these from their last session. The children then learnt their numbers up to 6, learned some French songs and then had a go at some French colourings as well. In the next session, the children took part in some computing, where they used the MP Weather app on the iPads to see what happens in different weather conditions. They got to dress their characters in the clothes that suited the weather.

Image of Online Safety: Smart Watches
4 May

Online Safety: Smart Watches

Time to get smart about watches? Wearable tech is usually considered 'cool' by young people, with smartwatches at the forefront – but are they safe from #OnlineSafety risks? Trusted adults can find out in our #WakeUpWednesday guide. Download >> https://bit.ly/3NyjNpO

Image of Year 1- Internet safety.
27 Apr

Year 1- Internet safety.

This week in computing year 1 have looked at how to stay safe when playing or using the Internet. We looked which information is safe to share online and we also looked at what types of passwords would be classed as safe.

Image of Online Safety: Wizz
26 Apr

Online Safety: Wizz

Your quick guide to Wizz. It’s a trending social app that matches young users with potential new friends … and it’s not without #OnlineSafety hazards. Check out our #WakeUpWednesday guide this week for all the biz about Wizz. Download >> https://bit.ly/3ncXmLT

Image of Year 4 - Science: Presenting our findings
25 Apr

Year 4 - Science: Presenting our findings

On Monday, Year 4 did a great job of creating their own group presentations to explain how sound is made, how it travels and how it is received by the human ear.

Image of Online Safety: Ofcom Report
19 Apr

Online Safety: Ofcom Report

Are kids risk free in ’23? Evidently not. Ofcom have just published their yearly report into children’s digital activities and the #OnlineSafety risks they face. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide has some key findings for trusted adults. Download >> https://bit.ly/40maDzn

Image of Online Safety: Fortnite
12 Apr

Online Safety: Fortnite

This week … it’s Fortnite. A new season of the phenomenally popular online battle game dropped last month – our #WakeUpWednesday guide scopes out this latest update for potential #OnlineSafety risks to its legion of young players. Download >> https://bit.ly/3ZS4Scs

Image of Online Safety: Echo Chambers
5 Apr

Online Safety: Echo Chambers

In some areas of the internet, there’s no such thing as ‘the middle ground’ – but why are they an #OnlineSafety risk to young people? This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide finds out , Download >> https://bit.ly/3zvXgld

Image of Year 1- Computing
29 Mar

Year 1- Computing

In computing this week Year 1's task was to make a wanted poster using the iPads. They had to create their own character and type up what their character was wanted for.

Image of Online Safety: Passwords
23 Mar

Online Safety: Passwords

What’s the password? As the digital world’s most common security measure, passwords therefore remain a prime target for cyber criminals. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide has tips to improve #OnlineSafety by beefing up your password strength. Download >> https://bit.ly/3JqBxzG

Image of Reception- Junior Jam
22 Mar

Reception- Junior Jam

Today Reception have been very lucky to have three different junior jam sessions today! In the first session, they looked at different songs and focused on how they make you feel. The children listened well to the songs and showed good understanding of the emotions the songs created. They then had a French session where they learned the french word for ‘hello’ and they also learned some numbers in French too! They also had a go at learning the song ‘Frere Jacques.’ They then had a Computing session, where they went onto the iPads, and played a coding game.

Image of Year 6 computing
16 Mar

Year 6 computing

This week, year 6 have been creating cinemagraphs on the Motionleap app. Their aim has been to make still pictures move.

Image of Online Safety: Safe and Healthy Online Habits
15 Mar

Online Safety: Safe and Healthy Online Habits

It’s almost Red Nose Day! In support of Comic Relief, our #WakeUpWednesday guide has got some top tips on helping children and young people to build their digital resilience – minimising the impact of #OnlineSafety threats.

Image of Online Safety: iPads
8 Mar

Online Safety: iPads

Getting to the core of Apple’s market-leading tablet

Image of Year 3 Computing
8 Mar

Year 3 Computing

Year 3 have been building on last week's stop motion skills by using a green screen. They created their own stop motions and added their own backgrounds. They worked in pairs and communicated effectively thought out. Well done!

Image of Year 5 - Computing - Animation
8 Mar

Year 5 - Computing - Animation

Today for computing we have been learning how to make our pictures look 3D. After some practice sketching the children then tried to transfer these skills onto the computer.

Image of Online Safety: NGL
1 Mar

Online Safety: NGL

FYI, it’s NGL

Image of Year 6 Computing
9 Feb

Year 6 Computing

In computing, year 6 have created a theme song to put into their keynote to showcase their very own superhero.

Image of Year 4 - Safer Internet Day
8 Feb

Year 4 - Safer Internet Day

Year 4 had great fun playing games and sharing experiences on Safer Internet Day. We discussed checking age ratings and reporting any inappropriate content, and we compared our favourite things about being online.

Image of Year 4 - Computing
8 Feb

Year 4 - Computing

In Junior Jam this week, Year 4 have been creating a keynote presentation. They have used animations and text and created avatars.

Image of Year 3 Safer Internet Day 2023
8 Feb

Year 3 Safer Internet Day 2023

This year for Safer Internet Day, Year 3 have been thinking about what should be kept public or private online. We discussed the importance of keeping personal information private, such as addresses, phone numbers and passwords. We then thought about age restrictions for games and online sites and discussed what we can do moving forward, to ensure that we are using the Internet in a safe way. We also came up with some great activities that we could do during the day, which do not require the Internet, such as playing a board game and going for a walk with our family!

Image of Year 2- Safer Internet Day
7 Feb

Year 2- Safer Internet Day

Year 2 have been celebrating all the amazing ways we use the internet but have been focusing mainly on our digital footprint to ensure that we remain safe online. We discussed: - Do not believe everything you see online - Do not post anything that isn’t kind - If I see something that makes me feel uncomfortable tell a trusted adult, report it and block it - Play with people we know - Most importantly keep having fun! - Understand age limits and respect those limits - Keep microphones and cameras off when online gaming with people who you do not know.

Image of Year 2 Junior Jam
1 Feb

Year 2 Junior Jam

During our Junior Jam sessions we have been looking at creating our own 2D and 3D animations in Computing.

Image of Year 5 - Computing - Data input and office
1 Feb

Year 5 - Computing - Data input and office

During computing this term we are learning how to use Office and in particular Excel. The children are learning to input data on Excel to change the colours of the blocks and create pictures. They have been able to create some fantastic pictures!

Image of Year 1- Computing
25 Jan

Year 1- Computing

In computing this afternoon year 1 have been having a go to make their own 2D animations using whiteboards and the app stop motion capture.

Image of National Online Safety: Twitter
18 Jan

National Online Safety: Twitter

New year, new Twitter?

Image of Year 1- Junior Jam
5 Jan

Year 1- Junior Jam

Year 1 have been working in pairs to create their own moving animation videos using equipment from around the classroom.

Image of Year 5- Junior Jam- Songwriting
5 Jan

Year 5- Junior Jam- Songwriting

This week in music, Year 5 have been improving their song-writing ability. Over the course of the term, the children will be introduced to different techniques to help write lyrics and improve vocal melodies. They also worked really hard in French and Computing.

Image of Year 3- Junior Jam
4 Jan

Year 3- Junior Jam

Today year 3 have been recapping colours in French and also learnt the days of the week, sharing which day of the week was their favourite day. During computing the class worked in pairs and used iPads to write out a piece of information, they had to use the correct font, size and grammar. In music today, lots of different pieces of music were played, by different artists, they then voted if they thought that artist had written the song or not.

Image of Year 4 - Publishing our Writing
7 Dec

Year 4 - Publishing our Writing

This week in English, Year 4 have been publishing their writing using Google Docs and they’ve loved it. It’s wonderful to see everyone taking such pride in their work.

Image of Year 3- Junior Jam
2 Nov

Year 3- Junior Jam

Year 3 have had a very busy morning in Junior Jam, they started off with French, building on their knowledge of numbers. During Computing they used iPads to code their initials. Finally during music they worked with a partner to use a keyboard, looking at the different notes. Excellent listening and participation throughout. Well done Year 3!

Image of Year 2 - Programming
2 Nov

Year 2 - Programming

Year 2 learning how to program with junior jam.

Image of Year 6 Computing
12 Oct

Year 6 Computing

Year 6 spent their lesson evaluating their remixes by listening to each other’s work and providing feedback.

Image of Year 2 - Junior Jam
12 Oct

Year 2 - Junior Jam

Year 2 exploring music and computing during junior jam.

Image of Geography Year 4 - How does the Amazon Basin compare to where we live?
11 Oct

Geography Year 4 - How does the Amazon Basin compare to where we live?

We have been looking at how the Amazon Basin compares to where we live. We researched temperature, climate, hemispheres, proximity to the equator and much more. The standard of work produced in todays session was amazing!

Image of Reception Exploring ICT
29 Sep

Reception Exploring ICT

Reception have been exploring using Purple Mash to create a picture. This was their first time using ICT. Some of the children revisited previous knowledge of pen control, by creating patterns and circles.

Image of Year 1- Creating freestyle music
28 Sep

Year 1- Creating freestyle music

Year 1 have been working in pairs to create their own freestyle music using the app garage band.

Image of Year 4 - Computing
28 Sep

Year 4 - Computing

In computing today, Year 4 created drum and bass music using FX.

Image of Year 2-  Junior Jam - Creating their own Hip Hop music
28 Sep

Year 2- Junior Jam - Creating their own Hip Hop music

Year 2- Junior Jam - Creating their own Hip Hop music

Image of Year 6 computing
22 Sep

Year 6 computing

Year 6 have been learning about the second form of remixing by doing genre changing. They have been remixing a vocal stem and changing the genre.

Image of Year 6 Junior Jam
15 Sep

Year 6 Junior Jam

Beatboxing with Junior Jam!

Image of - Junior Jam- Year 5
7 Jul

- Junior Jam- Year 5

In computing, the children have been detectives trying to solve a real crime that happened many years ago. They have been working in small groups watching the clues given to work out who the prime suspect is. In drama, the children have been working on stage directions to create an informed performance. The children will have an opportunity to show case what they have learnt to the class. In music this week, they have been using a variety of musical instruments with increasing accuracy, to conduct their performances.

Image of Reception Junior Jam
29 Jun

Reception Junior Jam

Today the children had a junior jam session. They started with a dance session to warm up and they were given some scarves to use. They then had a go at singing ‘A Whole New World’ from Aladdin. They were amazing at remembering the lyrics to the song ! The next session was Music where they learned all about the instruments Boomwackers. They were shown how to use the boomwackers and discussed how they make their sound. They even had a go at using them and learned the names of the different notes. In the next session they watched some clips and they were asked to identify how the characters were feeling. They then used a new app this week called Toon Tastic to make a setting and characters to create a story- they had to create a beginning, a middle and an end for their story.

Image of Reception Junior Jam
22 Jun

Reception Junior Jam

The children have been involved in some junior jam sessions this morning. The started off with a performing arts session which involved learning about characters from the story/film of Aladdin. They discussed which characters were bad and which ones were good. They then learned some dance moves to ‘Arabian Nights’ from Aladdin. In the music session they learned about the importance of warming up their voices when singing, so to not hurt or damage their muscles in their throat. They also listened to some songs and discussed which songs they thought sounded sad and which ones sounded happy. They then sang ‘If your happy and you know it’ to understand and demonstrate the different emotions in the song. We then had a technology session, where the children learned the difference between a video and a photograph. They then had a go on the iPads where they played a coding Safari game.

Image of Reception Junior Jam Sessions
11 May

Reception Junior Jam Sessions

Reception have been fantastic in taking part in the different junior jam sessions. They started off with a street dance session where they learned the importance of warming up and cooling down during exercise. After that, they learned all about musical instruments and had a go at playing the glockenspiels. The last session involved using the iPads to problem solve on the coding safari game.

Image of Year 1 Science- Plants
28 Apr

Year 1 Science- Plants

This afternoon, Year 1 have been exploring the different stages of plant growth. They created their own animations on Purple Mash to illustrate these stages and then played them back to enjoy watching their plant grow. Some children even added visiting bees to their plants to pollinate them, their plant being watered and seeds dropping off their plants to form new ones. They also explained what the different parts of the plants do such as the stem transporting the water and the nutrients from the roots to the plant.

Image of Junior Jam- Year 5
21 Apr

Junior Jam- Year 5

Outdoors photography with Mr Toal from Junior Jam plus outdoors music with Miss Kennedy and street dance with Miss Anderton.

Image of Online safety warning- Huggy Wuggy
25 Mar

Online safety warning- Huggy Wuggy

Dear parents and carers, we wanted to make you aware of a character named ‘Huggy Wuggy’ that some of the children are talking about. Please see the photo and links for further information. https://www.parents.com/news/what-parents-need-to-know-about-huggy-wuggy-and-the-poppy-playtime-game-taking-over-elementary-schools/ https://oursaferschools.co.uk/2021/12/03/poppy-playtime-online-safety-review/

Image of Year 6- Junior Jam
17 Mar

Year 6- Junior Jam

Year 6 had a great morning with their Junior Jam teachers.

Image of Year 6- Junior Jam
9 Mar

Year 6- Junior Jam

Year 6 had a great Wellbeing Wednesday learning how to play the ukulele in music and had fun on the tablets in computing.

Image of Year 3 Computing - animation
3 Mar

Year 3 Computing - animation

In Computing, Year 3 are continuing work on making Animations with Mr Toal from Junior Jam.

Image of Well-being Warrior & Digital Champions
3 Mar

Well-being Warrior & Digital Champions

Today, the Well-being Warriors led the virtual Digital Champions meeting and represented the school. They talked about how we covered Safer Internet Day at St Barnabas and highlighted everything we do to make our children feel safe when using the Internet and any social media.

Image of Safer Internet Day
8 Feb

Safer Internet Day

It is Safer Internet day today. The children will be exploring how to keep safe online. We can all make the online world less harmful by showing more respect for each other on the internet. Please look at our dedicated online safety page for more information and lots of useful guides: https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/parents/useful-links/online-safety

Image of Safer Internet Day Worship
8 Feb

Safer Internet Day Worship

Today in worship we learnt about how to keep safe online and we focused on our Christian value of respect. We looked at internet safety scenarios which prompted lots of discussions about who to trust, how to stay safe, who to speak to you if you are concerned about anything and keeping your accounts private. We also discussed respect online, always be kind and polite. If you are using emoticons or smiley faces make sure that you are as clear as possible to express what you mean. A comment or emoji can have a big impact on someone’s mental health.

Image of Safer Internet Day Posters in Year 4
8 Feb

Safer Internet Day Posters in Year 4

Safer Internet Day 2022. Year 4 have produced some fantastic posters to highlight how we can stay safe on the web and social media. Well done to the poster winners and don’t forget to send a pic of them to [email protected] by 3pm on 10th Feb #saferinternetday

Image of Year 2 PSHE: Internet Safety Day
8 Feb

Year 2 PSHE: Internet Safety Day

This afternoon I’m PSHE, Year 2 have been thinking about how we can make safe choices online. We looked at the story ‘Oscar’s Adventures in the Online World’ and helped Oscar to make good decisions. We have also listed different ways to stay safe online and adding this to our class scrapbook!

Image of Year 3 - #Safer Internet Day
8 Feb

Year 3 - #Safer Internet Day

We began the day with a whole school virtual assembly for Safer Internet Day. We have completed a variety of activities throughout the day about Online Safety.

Image of Year 1-Internet Safety Day 2022
8 Feb

Year 1-Internet Safety Day 2022

Year 1 started their amazing Internet Safety Posters this afternoon to share their top tips for keeping safe online. We enjoyed Mrs Ham’s worship this morning on showing respect and kindness online and learnt about the importance of sending only kind messages and blocking and reporting any unkind behaviour. We also enjoyed reading ‘Digiduck and the Magic Castle’ and ‘Oscar’s Adventures in the Online World.’ From these books, we have learnt about the importance of having strong passwords that contain symbols, letters and numbers so nobody can guess them and not accepting or continuing with a message that we don’t understand as this could cost us money, give our device a virus or show us something inappropriate. We also learnt about information that is okay to share such as our favourite food or music and information that is not okay to share such as the school we go to, our address, our full name or our password.

Image of Safer Internet Day- Year 5
8 Feb

Safer Internet Day- Year 5

During our P.S.H.E lesson this week, Year 5 had a discussion about how to stay safe online while staying connected to the digital world. We spoke about respect online, on group chats, video calling, instant messages and games. We also had a look at the story book ‘ Oscar’s Adventures in the Online World’ and found ways of helping Oscar make the right decisions so he can avoid dangers on his journey through the online world.

Image of Year 6- Junior Jam
2 Feb

Year 6- Junior Jam

Year 6 had lots of fun in Junior Jam, trying out accents in drama, singing and making badges on a device, to represent their interests.

Image of Online Safety: Youtube
27 Jan

Online Safety: Youtube

Here is some information on how to keep your child safe online whilst watching videos on YouTube.

Image of Online safety - Year 4
26 Jan

Online safety - Year 4

Internet Safety in Year 4 in our Junior Jam computing session today.

Image of Safer Internet Day-Poster Competition
21 Jan

Safer Internet Day-Poster Competition

We will be taking part in 'Safer Internet Day' on Tuesday 8th February 2022 and would like to ask the children to take part in an Online Safety poster competition which is being promoted by Blackburn with Darwen. The children are asked to design a poster about online safety for children and young people. More details are provided on the link below and the closing date is Thursday 10th February. Please take a look at our online safety webpage that has an abundance of resources and key information regarding internet safety and keeping up to date with guidance. https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/parents/useful-links/online-safety

Image of Year 3 Junior Jam- Well-being Wednesday
20 Jan

Year 3 Junior Jam- Well-being Wednesday

In Junior Jam’s Drama, Year 3 have been looking at play scripts and their features. They have taken on the role of characters and a narrator. In computing, they have been looking at e-mails. In Music they have been carrying out breathing exercises in order to improve their singing.

Image of Year 1 -Well-being Wednesday Computing
19 Jan

Year 1 -Well-being Wednesday Computing

Year 1 creating their own moving videos in computing this morning

Image of Year 3: Online safety
12 Jan

Year 3: Online safety

In Computing, Year 3 have been learning about Cyberbullying. They created logos to help other children deal with Cyberbullying using: STOP, BLOCK and RECORD.

Image of Christmas Cards with RotaKids - Year 5
14 Dec

Christmas Cards with RotaKids - Year 5

This year, RotaKids ( Year 5 ) have been spreading ‘Acts of Kindness ‘ across Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and South Cumbria by sending a Christmas Card ( E-Card) to care homes.

Image of Wellbeing Wednesday in Year 6
1 Dec

Wellbeing Wednesday in Year 6

Today in Junior Jam, Year 6 performed street dance moves, identified instruments from around the world and started creating their own video games, based on space invaders.

Image of Wellbeing Wednesday in Year 6
24 Nov

Wellbeing Wednesday in Year 6

Today during Junior Jam Year 6 have been listening to different 80’s and 90’s music. In computing they explored variables in games and they also built on their dance routine from last week.

Image of Well-being  Wednesday - Year 5
18 Nov

Well-being Wednesday - Year 5

Year 5 really look forward to their sessions on Wednesday. They have the opportunity to dance, create music and do computing with Junior Jam.

Image of Junior Jam in Year 6
10 Nov

Junior Jam in Year 6

Year 6 have had a great fun in their Junior Jam sessions today, including computing, dance and music.

Image of Squid Game
15 Oct

Squid Game

Good evening parents and carers, over the last week or so it has come to light that children from different year groups across school are talking about or playing a game on the playground called 'red light, green light'. For those of you who are not aware, this game is part of a series on Netflix called 'Squid Game'. Even though it sounds like a child's game, Squid Game is rated 15 and therefore is not appropriate for primary aged children to watch due to 'sexual and violence references, injury detail, crude humour, sex and suicide references plus sexual images and violent images'. Squid Game has now become one of the latest videos on 'Tik Tok' for children aged 13 and over. TikTok is where users video themselves for a short period of time and upload their videos for people to like. Many TikTok videos can include explicit language. We are also aware that versions of Squid Game are available on Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite, so although children may not have watched the programme, they can still be exposed to the same graphic themes via these platforms. This is a polite reminder for ALL parents that you have responsibility over what social media sites your children are accessing, and your role as responsible adults is to keep them safe online. We want to alert you to this current trend so that you can be extra vigilant with your child's use of social media and activity online. We regularly teach the children in school how to keep safe online but you may also wish to talk to your child about how to keep safe online at home too. We will be speaking further to the children in KS2 about age restrictions and the dangers of viewing material that is not suitable. Here are some helpful links for parents about Squid Game and how to change Netflix settings: https://nationalonlinesafety.com/wakeupwednesday/squid-game-trending-across-platforms-what-parents-need-to-know https://oursaferschools.co.uk/2021/10/08/squid-game/ More information will shortly be added to our online safety section on our website too where you will also find online safety guides for a variety of apps and games that your children might play. We really appreciate your support in safeguarding your children when accessing social media, apps, games and television programmes. Yours Sincerely, Mrs Ham

Image of Year 5- Geography
12 Oct

Year 5- Geography

This term in Geography, Year 5 have been learning about Greece in context to its position with Europe, identifying regions within a country and Greece’s climate zone. This afternoon, we used digi maps to check what human and physical features are on a map of Greece.

Image of Cool Computing!
6 Oct

Cool Computing!

Year 3 created their final sections of the songs they’ve been working on this half term with Junior Jam.

Image of Year 3 computing fun!
15 Sep

Year 3 computing fun!

Year 3 had great fun composing their own house music in Computing with Mr Toal from Junior Jam. We love Wellbeing Wednesdays!

Image of Wonderful Wellbeing Wednesday
8 Sep

Wonderful Wellbeing Wednesday

What a wonderful wellbeing Wednesday with Junior Jam! We have loved playing the African drums in music, creating house music in computing and playing drama games in performing arts. We can't wait for next Wednesday!

Image of Wonderful Wellbeing Wednesday
8 Sep

Wonderful Wellbeing Wednesday

Year 5 had the best afternoon with Junior Jam. They loved creating house music in computing, playing African drums in music and playing drama games in performing arts.