Year 6 - Handwriting and Spellings
Today, Year 6 focused on handwriting and spellings. They filled their pages with carefully practised words, using beautifully joined handwriting and showing a clear understanding of letter formation. Their work reflected pride, accuracy and a touch of poetic flair.
Year 5 - Rotakids
This week marks the end of our most recent charity project in association with Darwen Rotary Club. We collected over 60 teddies and plushes from the ever-generous children and families of St Barnabas. Some will be heading abroad to children in war zones with the Teddy Trust, while others will support more local families. Thank you to everyone who contributed and well done to Year 5, whose enthusiasm, posters, comic books and passionate speeches made it all possible.
KS2 Timestable Rockstar Battle
A huge well done to our champions of this month’s Times Table Rockstars Battle! Our individual champions are: Year 6 – Luca Year 5 – Charlie Year 4 – Bobby-Ray Year 3 – Charlie A special congratulations to Year 6 and Year 4, who were our overall winning teams and claimed victory in their class battles. Well done to everyone who participated — your effort, enthusiasm and determination made it a fantastic competition!
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.
Reception: Scholastic Author Webinar
Our Reception class swapped their "Muddy Monday" boots for books during an enchanting webinar with author Catherine Jacob, who introduced us to her brand-new story, Betsy Buglove and the Lovely Ladybirds. After proving their expert status as outdoor explorers, the children were mesmerized by Catherine’s magic magnifying glass and learned fascinating facts, such as how ladybirds act as lucky charms for farmers and can even survive underwater for an hour. The adventure concluded with a creative masterclass from illustrator Lucy Fleming, who guided the budding artists through the steps of drawing Betsy herself. It was a truly wonderful workshop that brought the magic of the garden straight into our classroom!
Doodle and Dance Week 1
The children at Doodle and Dance turned a roll of wallpaper into a vibrant communal masterpiece today, filling the paper with colourful drawings of rainbows, hearts, flowers, and their favorite people and animals. The creative energy didn't stop at the drawing board, as the group quickly transitioned from artists to athletes for a high-spirited "Wake and Shake" dance session. It was a club of pure joy and imagination, leaving the room covered in art and the children full of smiles after dancing their hearts out.
Reception Police Visit
Our Reception class was treated to an informative and exciting visit from police officers Ryan and Andrew. The children were thrilled to meet the friendly officers, who started by asking the class what they thought police officers do. The children eagerly answered, "They catch the bad guys!" Ryan and Andrew gently explained that while catching bad guys is part of their job, their main role is to help people and keep everyone safe. To give the children a better understanding of their work, the officers showcased some of the important tools and resources they use. They showed the class items like handcuffs, safety glasses, pepper spray, a camera, scissors (for smash-window rescues), a baton, a helmet to keep them safe, a radio for communication, a shared ID card, and a pocket notebook. The children even got a chance to practice shouting "Get Back!", which is what police officers use to manage situations safely. The excitement reached new heights when the class was given the opportunity to explore the police van. The children listened to the siren and watched the flashing lights, which added to the thrill of the experience. They all had a turn to sit inside the van, imagining what it would be like to be a real-life police officer. The children were all very captivated by the visit, and we are sure they will be talking about it for days to come. The visit not only provided our students with a fantastic opportunity to learn about the valuable work police officers do in our community, but it also helped build positive relationships between the children and the police. We are so grateful to officers Ryan and Andrew for taking the time to visit our Reception class. Their visit was an incredible learning experience, and it has surely left a positive impact on our children.
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.
Blackburn with Darwen Schools Cross Country - Event 1
What a fantastic start to Cross Country season! Year 5/6 Team B squad all performed superbly at tonight’s first race event and in true St Barnabas Style, they encouraged each other every step of the way and we are super impressed with their effort and sheer determination- well done!
Year 3- Science-Exploring the formation and properties of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
This afternoon, our Year 3 scientists investigated the fascinating formation and properties of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. By carrying out a series of comparative tests, the children explored the durability, permeability, and density of various specimens, even using microscopes to search for embedded crystals. They applied their scientific enquiry skills to determine how these physical properties dictate a rock's everyday use, such as why marble might be chosen for a statue or sandstone for a building. It was wonderful to see them reporting on their findings with such enthusiasm as they grouped their rocks and compared them to their previous learning on igneous formations.
Year 3: World Book Week Launch-live event with author and illustrator Liz Pichon
To kick off World Book Week, Year 3 enjoyed a fantastic "15 Funny Years of Tom Gates" live event with author and illustrator Liz Pichon. Year 3 readers were completely engaged as they practised their "doodling" skills alongside Liz, learning how to bring iconic characters like Tom, Derek, and Mr Fullerman to life on the page. The session was packed with creativity and laughter, capped by an interactive quiz that tested their knowledge of the series. It was a brilliant way to celebrate a love of reading and illustration, leaving the children inspired for the rest of the week.