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Year 5 - Cricket
This morning, Year 5 had the exciting opportunity to learn from a professional cricket coach. The session introduced the children to key cricket techniques such as bowling, batting, fielding, and team coordination. Children also explored the overall tactics and rules of the game, building both their skills and understanding. The children demonstrated great effort and teamwork throughout the session, which culminated in a series of competitive games where they could apply what they had learned.
Rev Ben’s Worship: God the Rescuer
Rev Ben came in today to talk about rescuers. He began with a dressing up challenge in which 2 teams had to create their own superhero. Mind Reader won the most votes as the best superhero. Rev Ben linked this to a great rescuer from the Bible: Moses. He told us about God recruiting Moses to talk the Pharaoh into setting his people free. It was a difficult task but, with God’s help, he achieved it. The children spent some time thinking about what made Moses a rescuer and what made Jesus the ultimate rescuer.
Year 5 - Mayan Challenges
This afternoon, Year 5 continued to explore the challenges the Mayans faced while living in the rainforest. The children learned about the difficulties the Mayans encountered, such as the dense forest environment, lack of resources, and the need for sustainable farming. Before discovering the historical solutions used by the Mayans, the children engaged in critical thinking, offering their own creative solutions to these problems. Afterward, they compared their ideas to the actual strategies the Mayans employed, deepening their understanding of how this ancient civilisation adapted to their challenging environment.
Year 5 - Gymnastics
Today, Year 5 continued their gymnastics unit by incorporating apparatus into their sequences. The focus was on mastering levels, synchronisation, and maintaining balance with their partners. The students worked diligently to create sequences involving counter-balancing, ensuring that their movements flowed smoothly and with elegance. Their hard work and attention to detail truly shone through in the gracefulness of their transitions.
European Day of Languages 2024 - Harvest Songs
Today, in singing worship, the children were introduced to some Harvest-themed songs in different European languages. This was in celebration of European Day of Languages, which will take place on Thursday. We have set the children a challenge to learn part or all of one of these songs. They can do this for next week. We are not expecting them to know it by Thursday. There may be some value points available to those who try! :) Here are the links: Harvest songs Portugal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2iZZ9GBUFE Germany - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuzQraV8d1Q France - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjU3YhaM_50
Friday Celebration Worship
During our celebration worship this morning, Mrs Ham began the worship by lighting the candles and reflecting on the many things we are thankful for and grateful for, which led to some children sharing their thankful moments, such as our school, our outdoor area and our families. We then moved on to celebrating a very special member of staff, Mrs Pendlebury who is sadly leaving us today to enjoy her retirement. She has been with us for over 25 years. Heads and Deputies expressed some of their fond memories shared with Mrs Pendlebury. Rosie, expressed by stating that Mrs Pendlebury is one of a kind, Daisy remembered a time when Mrs Pendlebury kindly gave her a hat to wear on a class trip to rock and River. Harry and Hamza recalled moments when Mrs Pendlbury almost fell off a chair which they found amusing. We also watched a short video celebrating Mrs Pendlebury’s time at our school, filled with wonderful memories, a true legend. Mr Bloomfield and Mr Prescott shared a few words too, though no words can capture or express how much Mrs Pendlebury has meant to the school. Her grandchildren Jack and Beau, helped present Mrs Pendlebury with gifts and flowers from the school and staff. Mrs Ham then shared the awards that children received outside of school, including achievements for Charlie, Molly and Isabelle swimming, Isabella, Annabel and Phoebe for the summer reading challenge, James football, Grace dancing and Ella-Grace scouted for Manchester United. Reception and Year 5 won the attendance award. Darwen Tower gained an extra break for the most value points received this week. We then had prayers from Naomi, Sonny and Oscar and sang Mrs Pendlebury’s favourite songs, ‘Welcome everybody’ and Our God is great big God’.
Rev Ben's Collective Worship- Moses
Collective Worship - 19.09.24 During this week's worship session, Rev. Ben shared the story of Moses and the burning bush. He explained how, when God gave Moses a mission, Moses initially struggled to obey, feeling unsure and inadequate for the task. However, God revealed his power and presence to Moses, showing him the way and helping him develop trust. With God's guidance, Moses was able to achieve far more than he ever thought possible. The children engaged in thoughtful discussions, exploring questions like: What might it look like for you to recognise God's presence in your life? Some children reflected on seeing God's presence in acts of kindness, through nature, or in moments of peace when they feel supported by their friends and family. Others spoke about sensing God during quiet times or prayer, feeling that God is guiding them in difficult situations. When asked, Why do you think Moses was hesitant to follow God's instructions? The children expressed that they could relate to Moses’ fear and uncertainty. Some mentioned how Moses might have felt unworthy or scared of failing, while others said that like Moses, they too sometimes feel afraid when they are asked to do something new or hard. The group agreed that trusting God, even when they feel unsure, can help them overcome their fears. The final question, How does it change things for you, knowing that God is always with you? brought a range of responses. Some children said it gave them comfort to know they are never truly alone, even in hard times. Others felt it gave them courage, knowing they could rely on God’s strength when facing challenges. Many agreed that just like Moses, having faith in God’s presence helps them feel more confident in the tasks they are given, knowing they have divine support.
KS2 Football Trials
Our Upper KS2 children participated in this season's school football trials, demonstrating both their skills and teamwork. Everybody played exceptionally well, showcasing their impressive talents, from sharp dribbling and accurate passing to strong defence and goal-scoring techniques. The enthusiasm on the field was contagious, as the children gave their best efforts and enjoyed the opportunity to compete and improve their abilities. It was fantastic to see their passion for the game, and we're excited to see how their football journey progresses this season.
Year 5 - Irreversible Changes
This week, Year 5 explored the fascinating chemical reaction and irreversible change that occurs when vinegar is mixed with bicarbonate of soda. During their experiments, the children observed how the mixture produced a gas, resulting in bubbling and fizzing as carbon dioxide was released. They noted that the original substances could not be recovered, making this a clear example of an irreversible change. After conducting the experiment, the children wrote detailed reports, describing their observations, the chemical reaction involved, and why this reaction cannot be reversed. It was an exciting hands-on lesson in science, reinforcing the concept of irreversible changes in a fun and engaging way.
Whole School Worship: The Good Shepherd
Today, we were learning about Jesus’s parable of the Lost Sheep. We discussed why Jesus said 'I am the good shepherd', and how he will always come to us when we feel lost. Thanks to Mr Bloomfield and some of our younger children for acting out the story so brilliantly. We reflected on how we can life live in all its fullness knowing that Jesus is always watching over and protecting us, just like a good shepherd does for his sheep.
Year 5 - Gymnastics
Year 5 have continued to explore their gymnastics unit, focusing closely on mirroring, synchronization, and refining their technique. The children collaborated to create their own routines, working together to execute perfect synchronisation and demonstrate fluidity in their movements. Their dedication and teamwork were evident as they experimented with different forms and pushed themselves to perfect each sequence. It was an inspiring display of creativity and precision!
Year 5 - Installation Art
This week in Art, Year 5 children had the exciting opportunity to explore a wide range of installation art pieces. After discussing and analysing various works, the children were tasked with recreating their favorite installations. Using a mix of different media—such as paper, fabric and recycled materials—they brought their artistic visions to life. Their creativity shone through as they experimented with texture, color, and form to achieve unique and personal interpretations of the original artworks. It was an inspiring afternoon full of hands-on learning and artistic expression!