Year 3- Class Worship- The Spread of Christianity
Today, during our class worship, we explored the fascinating story of The Spread of Christianity and how the faith journeyed from its beginnings to our very own local area (our Diocese). We learned that after Jesus left, his first followers were given the special job, known as the Great Commission, to share his message of love and hope with everyone. Key stories, like the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and the incredible journeys of figures like the Apostle Paul, showed us how the Church grew and traveled across the world, eventually leading to the formation of the network of churches we belong to today. This movement is why we can gather together right here to worship. After learning about the growth of the Church, we took part in our own special way of spreading something good: thankfulness. Instead of using paper or screens, we used the power of our voices and our actions to share what we were grateful for. Each person was encouraged to verbally share something they were thankful for with the person next to them, creating a "chain" or "ripple" of gratitude that spread across the room, showing how quickly and easily good words can travel when we speak them aloud.
Whole School Worship - The Importance of Trees
This week is National Tree Week and Mrs Ham introduced an exciting new tree-planting project that we will be undertaking as a school. Following on from Switch Off Fortnight, we will continue our Planet Protectors mission by planting trees on our school grounds and, of course, our fantastic children will be involved. To kick start the project, we had a discussion about why trees are amazing. The children gave some very thoughtful answers, such as “they give us oxygen”, “they take harmful carbon dioxide out of the air”, “they provide protection for animals”, “we love playing in the trees”, “we use trees to make things”. Mrs Ham also told us the story, The Man Who Planted Trees. It was about a shepherd who saw the barren land and wanted to improve it, so he started planting trees. He planted over 1000 acorns, and after many years, the landscape was filled with lush, green trees, rivers flowed and a town was built. We learned from this 100-year-old story that one person’s small act can make a huge difference. Just like in the Parable of the Talents, we learned that it’s important for us all to use what we’ve been given to make a positive impact on the world. We can’t wait to use the trees that have been donated to us by the National Trust to make a positive impact on our community.
KS2 Football Practice
Today’s football session focused on the effective use of a target man, emphasising intelligent movement to create space, link play and support attacking transitions. Players worked on timing their runs, offering clear passing options and using body positioning to shield the ball and bring teammates into the game.
Year 3- TT Rockstars: The Battle is ON!
This week, we've kicked off the TT Rockstars Battle of the Bands, where our year groups go head-to-head to see who can answer the most correct times tables questions. We are dedicating 15 minutes each day over three days to this tournament during class time. The rivalry is fantastic! Currently, Year 6 is leading the charge on the leaderboard, but Year 3 is incredibly competitive, they are going home and logging extra time on TT Rockstars, determined to practice their way right into the Top Ten!
TT Rockstars Battles
Good evening, To further promote times tables within our school, we have set up a Key Stage 2 battle on TT Rockstars, where the children will compete once a month, for a week, to see who can take the top spot. We encourage all pupils to get involved, both at school and at home, battling it out to improve their times tables skills. Prizes will be awarded to the child with the highest score in each year group and an overall trophy will be given to the winning class. I will update next week with the winners of each year group and the overall winner. The battle will take place once per month and is scheduled for the week commencing the 24th of each month. This month’s battle is now live! Many thanks, Mr Bloomfield
Meet Our Science Ambassadors
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have expanded our Science Ambassadors and now have seven passionate representatives! For the first time ever, the role was open to both KS1 and KS2 students (previously KS2 only). We were overwhelmed by the incredible enthusiasm, receiving a huge number of applications from students explaining their passion and suitability for the role. The selection process was tough, but we have chosen our final seven. These enthusiastic leaders will be crucial in supporting our upcoming science initiatives; specifically, they will play a key role in the planning session with the Science Leader for British Science Week (BSW), where the team will focus on three key areas: determining the Big Idea by aligning the BSW theme with school goals; planning engaging Shows & Activities, including booking external providers, aiding teachers during practical lessons and assisting peers with scientific investigation to foster a culture of curiosity and learning across the school. We are so proud of them and look forward to Grace, Daisy, Jack, Harry, Elijah, Oliver and Minnie shining in their new role!
Year 3- Science-Identifying Endoskeletons, Exoskeletons, and Hydrostatic Skeletons
This afternoon, our young scientists (supported by our excellent Science Ambassadors, Elijah and Harry) were busy investigating the frameworks that support life. We started by recalling the difference between vertebrates (animals with a backbone) and invertebrates (animals without one), and defining what a skeleton is. The main task was to become Skeleton Detectives, researching various animals to identify whether they possess an endoskeleton (internal, like humans and fish), an exoskeleton (external armor, like crabs and insects), or a hydrostatic skeleton (fluid-filled, like earthworms and jellyfish). For the final challenge, the children discovered an interesting fact about each animal's framework, explaining exactly how that specific skeleton helps them with movement and protection, showcasing their excellent understanding of biological support systems.
Year 3- A Look at Islam in Interfaith Week
This Interfaith Week, I was delighted to lead a wonderful worship session for the whole school, giving everyone an immersive look into my religion, Islam. I covered the foundations of my faith, explaining the significance of the Five Pillars of Islam, and shared a piece of my culture by having the children listen to Arabic Nasheeds and reading a verse of the Qur'an out loud in Arabic. To provide a personal and visual connection to my practice, I showed them my prayer mat, and we then looked at pictures from my visits to Makkah, Madinah, and Palestine, highlighting these three holy sites significant to Muslims. Following this, all the year groups had prepared thoughtful questions that I answered, tackling everything from why I wear the Hijab and how I perform my daily prayers (Salat), to which God I follow (Allah). The children listened exceptionally well throughout the entire session. To finish the children tasted foods that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended for our health, including wholemeal bread with honey, fresh figs, melon, olives, and fresh dates, making the session a truly comprehensive and deeply personal exploration of what it means to be a Muslim. This event was an example of how we can learn from one another's faiths and traditions in a spirit of respect and curiosity. It has undoubtedly enriched our collective understanding, fostering a school environment that values diversity and empathy, which is the true heart of Interfaith Week.
Year 3- Class Worship- Can technology ever help us too much?
Today in our collective worship, we discussed technology and reflected on the Christian Value of Wisdom. We looked at the new Nike Project Amplify powered shoe, designed to help people stay active, independent, and mobile. We talked about how technology is a useful tool but should not become a distraction. The Bible reminds us to focus on what truly matters, like our relationships with others. Renee read the prayer, where we thanked God for technology and asked for wisdom to use it for learning, connection, and kindness.
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Year 3 Presents their learning to Year 4
This morning, Year 3 confidently presented their learning all about the classical poem, 'The Spider and the Fly,' to Year 4. The children did a brilliant job, having memorised key parts of the original poem and then sharing the exciting ending of their own innovated version. The entire class then proudly said the poem's moral: 'Do not be fooled by flattery and compliments'. A huge well done to Year 3!
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Year 3- English- Capturing Interest: Language Features in The Last Bear
This week in English, we have started exploring our new class book, The Last Bear. The children began by examining the cover and blurb closely and used these clues to make thoughtful predictions about what the story might be about. We also spent some time researching Bear Island, and the children were excited to discover that it is a real island in the Arctic Circle. Today, we began reading Chapter 1 and collected some interesting phrases that captured our interest. Some examples the children noticed included a rather odd kind of normality, the wild, unkempt bramble bush and pure, untouched wilderness. The children have really engaged with the story so far, and we are looking forward to discovering what happens next as we continue reading.
Friday Celebration Worship: Children in Need
This morning in our celebration worship, we gathered as a whole school family to mark Children in Need, offering heartfelt thanks for the generosity shown in raising awareness and funds for such a worthy cause. This week, we have also celebrated the start of Anti-Bullying Week by wearing odd socks, a joyful reminder of the importance of uniqueness and individuality. Together, we reflected on how love, friendship, generosity and kindness can help us use our power for good and stand against bullying and nurture one another’s mental health. Throughout the week, our after-school clubs have brought great excitement and creativity, with children enjoying board games, football, forest school, Warhammer painting and a lively Let’s Go Sing workshop. Reception delighted in a terrific Trekking Tuesday, Year 3 welcomed Rev Ben and enjoyed a memorable visit to Nightingale Farm, and all classes began their new Design & Technology units as they prepare to create products for the Christmas Fair. Our worship continued with the presentation of awards. We celebrated our Value award winners Alfie, Beau and Haydn in EYFS and KS1, and Joshua, Luke and Mason across KS2, for demonstrating an excellent work ethic, thoughtful listening, teamwork, independence and our Christian values. We congratulated the whole of Year 3 for representing our school so beautifully during their farm visit, Darwen Tower as the overall value award winners with an impressive 233 points, and Year 2 and Year 3 as our attendance champions. We then celebrated our out of school star achievers. We celebrated Bo for earning both ‘Player of the Week’ in football and ‘Best in the Cast’ at Made for Stage, Haydn for his ‘Player of the Week’ award and an incredible 27 goals in just seven games, Ralphi for achieving his 5m swimming badge, Poppy for her wonderful dancing, Isabella for being ‘Star of the Day’ in acro, Hendrix and Maggie for completing Stage 1 gymnastics, Jack for his courage and skill as ‘Player of the Match’ with Blackburn Eagles, Marley for her dedication to Brownies, Grace for exceptional success across her dance competition, Freddie for swimming a fantastic 25 metres, Evie for achieving her laughter, communication, drawing and promise badges at Rainbows, Lydia and Naomi for demonstrating kindness, helpfulness and bravery at Rainbows and Brownies, and Ohana in Reception class for swimming an impressive 75 metres. We also celebrated our Year 5/6 football team for their two brilliant league wins last night in the DPSSA Football League and for representing our school proudly at the Blackburn Rovers Senior Ground on Wednesday as part of the KS2 BRFC Kids Cup. Mrs Ham and Mrs Govan then awarded certificates to Luna, Beau, Lyla, Skye, Olivia, Edward, Alana and Naomi for their success in the Spring Vale Ramblers Club Art Competition, with their artwork chosen for display in the Darwen Heritage Centre. Mrs Govan also introduced our Christmas ADVENTure Trail Art competition, inspired by the Nativity story and soon to be showcased in Whitehall Park, with a chocolate treat awaiting all who take part. We closed by thanking Renée, Callie and Harry for their beautiful prayers and offering our appreciation to everyone who joined us in worship, as well as to our whole school community for their continued support. We wish you all a peaceful and restful weekend as we look forward to the busy and joy-filled weeks leading up to Christmas.