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DPSSA Netball League
Tonight Team B took part in our first evening at the DPSSA netball league. The children played really well and adjusted to lots of variations with positions. We came away with one win and one loss so onwards and upwards next week.
Year 4 - PE: Sprint and Relay
This week in athletics, the Year 4 class applied the sprinting skills they have learned and developed new skills for taking part in relay races. They began with an aerobic warm up and played chase games to develop correct arm positioning for successful baton exchange. This was followed by some practice with batons, transferring them from one team mate to another as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. Their aim was to be able to pass and receive a baton whilst moving. Once the children had had a chance to develop this skill, they put it into practice through team races. They had all improved dramatically by the end of the lesson.
Year 4 Tennis Winners
🏆 SMALL BUT MIGHTY! 🏆 Huge congratulations to our Year 4 Tennis Team for winning the BWD competition at Blackburn Northern Tennis Club! 🎾🥇 Mrs. Ham is incredibly proud of the team's determination and fantastic sportsmanship. You played with heart and represented us brilliantly! 🌟👏 We certainly are small but mighty! 💪 #TennisChampions #BWDCompetition #Year4 #ProudSchool #TeamWork
Year 5 PGL
🧗♂️ What an Unforgettable Adventure! 🏹 Our Year 5 students have just returned from an incredible three-day residential at PGL (and yes, for those wondering, that stands for Parents Get Lost! 😉). From the moment they arrived, the energy was electric. Over the last three days, our young adventurers threw themselves into every challenge, including: • Raft Building: Testing their teamwork (and their buoyancy!) 🌊 • Archery: Finding their inner Robin Hood 🎯 • Problem Solving: Using those brilliant brains to crack tough codes 🧩 • Survival Skills: Learning how to thrive in the great outdoors 🌲 • Climbing & The Giant Swing: Reaching new heights and facing their fears head-on! 🎢 🌟 Heart, Courage, and Community Beyond the activities, what truly blew us away was their courage and determination. Whether they were dangling from the giant swing or navigating the woods, the way they shouted words of encouragement to one another was heart-warming. They behaved brilliantly throughout the trip and were a true credit to our school. We couldn't be prouder of the resilience they showed! 🙌 A Huge Thank You This trip wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing staff. A massive thank you to Mr Mealor, Miss Lyons, and Mrs Faux for giving up their time and working around the clock to ensure the children had a safe and life-changing experience. Welcome home, Year 5! Rest up—you’ve certainly earned it. 💤✨ #Year5 #PGL #SchoolTrip #AdventureAwaits #ProudSchool #Teamwork #MakingMemories All of the photos can be found here: https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/photo-galleries/year-5-pgl-may-2026
Year 1 PE: Throwing and Catching
Year 1 continued to practise their skills of throwing and catching. We introduced chest passes to make straight, quick throws and practised catching the ball with our arms out ready to receive. Year 1 noticed that if you have a larger distance between a partner, it was easier to bounce pass the ball.
Year 3- P.E-Rugby: Mastering the Three Touch Ball
In P.E. today, the class focused on Invasion Games through a game called Three Touch Ball, which is based on Rugby skills. The children worked on mastering the swing pass, learning to form a 'W' shape with their hands and swinging the ball from chest to hip height toward their target. We also practised receiving by watching the ball into the hands and bringing it back to the chest to prepare for the next move. Beyond the physical skills, we focused on tactics such as running into space, using hand signals to communicate, and working as a team to pass the ball at least three times before scoring in the hoop. Finally, the children took turns acting as officials, ensuring everyone followed the rules and played fairly.
Year 2 - PE - Racket and Ball Work
Year 2 have been learning how to hold a racket using the shaking hands grip. We have then been working on our control of the ball.
Year 5 - PE
We continued our athletics lessons by adding sling shots to our repertoire of throws. The children had to sling a hoop as far as they could, focusing on keeping their arm straight, rotating the body and releasing at the right moment. We also carried out a sequence of three standing jumps, hops and leaps, with the children experimenting by changing their stance and motion.
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Bee Stinger Netball Heat Winners
This evening we took part in the Bee Stinger Netball Heats down at Darwen Vale High School. Many of Team B had never played Bee Stingers before but they worked hard and managed to come out heat winners! We are so proud of how they conducted themselves showing respect and resilience the whole way through.
Year 3- Rock and River- Low Ropes Course
The low ropes course was all about focus and steady feet today. Year 3 had to navigate a series of tricky obstacles and wobbly cables, which required a great deal of bravery to master. Great teamwork from everyone, as the children stood by the ropes to guide their friends and shout out tips for the best footing. By encouraging each other through the wobbles, every child managed to tackle the course with confidence and a great sense of achievement.
Year 3- Rock and River - Canoeing and Paddle boarding
Year 3 had an unforgettable day on the water as they took to the river for a session of canoeing and paddleboarding. The children showed incredible bravery and resilience as they mastered their paddling techniques and tested their balance on the boards. It was a joy to watch them build their confidence, working together in teams to steer their boats and cheering each other on through every splash.
Year 3 Conquer the Climbing Towers- Rock and River
The climbing towers were a major highlight for Year 3 today. Reaching the top took considerable physical strength and bravery, and it was impressive to see so many children push themselves higher than they expected. The teamwork on the ground was excellent, with the children encouraging their peers and offering helpful advice on which footwork to try next. Every child who "gave it a go" showed great resilience and school spirit.