--- title: "Reception: All About Minibeasts" url: "https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-05-12-reception-all-about-minibeasts" school: "St Barnabas Primary School, A Church of England Academy" --- We are holding a number of open days for children due to start primary school in September 2027. Please see our admissions page for further details. Everyone welcome! # Reception: All About Minibeasts ![](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/images/news/IMG_3454_(1).jpeg) 12 May 2026 The Reception class had a truly unforgettable afternoon thanks to Fiia and her dad, Adam from the Animal Garden who introduced the children to an incredible array of minibeasts. The session was packed with tactile learning, starting with the massive Giant African Land Snails and the fascinating life cycle of Pachnoda bugs, which the children learned eventually transform into vibrant fruit beetles. The class also got a glimpse into the animal food chain by meeting Mario worms, cockroaches, and locusts—the "snack pack" typically used to feed pet lizards. The highlight for many was the tarantula gallery, featuring the Red Rump tarantula (appropriately named for its red "bum") and a South American Curly Haired tarantula affectionately known as "Chewy." The children learned about their unique defense mechanism: the ability to flick itchy hairs at predators to stay safe. By examining a discarded tarantula skin, the students were able to get an up-close look at the spider's teeth and red mouth without any risk. The excitement continued with the arrival of the sleek Asian Forest Scorpions, adding an extra layer of mystery to the day. The afternoon concluded with a wonderful takeaway about how spiders do not have a brain! They simply know how to live. Thank you so much to Adam and Fiia, we learnt so much! ![](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/images/IMG_3454_(1).jpeg) [Reception](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/reception) [Science](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/science) [Visits and Visitors](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/visits-and-visitors) [![](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/100x100c/news/IMG_2986.jpeg)](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-05-11-year-6-expressing-our-views-of-jesus) Previous ### [Year 6 - Expressing our views of Jesus](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-05-11-year-6-expressing-our-views-of-jesus) [![](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/100x100c/news/IMG_3493.jpeg)](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-05-13-reception-visit-to-imagine-that) Next ### [Reception: Visit to Imagine That](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-05-13-reception-visit-to-imagine-that) ### Personal Development - [News](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news) - [Events](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/events) - [Photo Gallery](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/photo-gallery-category/our-gallery) - [Calendar](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/calendar) - [School Council](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/academy-life/school-council) - [Attendance](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/academy-life/attendance) - [Fundraising](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/academy-life/fundraising) - [Extra Curricular Clubs](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/academy-life/clubs) - [Little Leaders](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/academy-life/little-leaders) - [Visits and Visitors](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/visits-and-visitors) - [British Values](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/british-values) - [Protected Characteristics](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/protected-characteristics) ##### Location Knowlesly Road Darwen Lancashire BB3 2JA ##### Contact Us 01254 702996 ##### Stay Connected - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/stbarnabasce/) - [X](https://twitter.com/stbarnabasce) © Copyright 2021–2026 St Barnabas Primary School, A Church of England Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)