Year 1 Geography: Signs of Autumn
Today we took a trip to Whitehall Park to spot some signs of Autumn. The children did a brilliant job at finding conkers, acorns, yellow and orange leaves, berries and empty branches. We tried to stay really quiet to spot a squirrel but we had no luck. The children loved collecting the conkers and acorns too!
Year 1- Fun on the Park
After our brilliant walk finding signs of Autumn, we had to celebrate by playing on the park. We are so proud to see Year 1 showing kindness to each other and respect to other members of the public too. What a fun afternoon!
Year 2 Art- Clay Tiles
In today’s art lesson, Year 2 students created their own clay tiles. They began by rolling out their clay, turning it regularly to ensure a smooth, even thickness throughout. Once their slabs were ready, they carefully cut them into neat rectangular shapes. Before starting their practical work, the children were introduced to the artist Rachel Whiteread, who is known for casting everyday objects and empty spaces in materials such as plaster. They were fascinated and amazed by the idea of capturing negative space in this way, which sparked some thoughtful discussion and curiosity about how clay can be used creatively. The children then explored a range of decorative techniques. They particularly enjoyed working in relief, adding shapes to their tiles using the score and slip method. They also had fun making impressions in the clay using a variety of tools and objects, experimenting with textures and patterns. Year 2 are thoroughly enjoying their clay unit, and it’s wonderful to see their creativity and skills developing each week. We can’t wait to see the final pieces after all their hard work. Well done, Year 2!
Year 3- History-Exploring Ancient Egypt Through the River Nile
The Year 3 Historians investigated why the River Nile was so important in the lives and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. They explored the interactive history timeline online and also looked at the timeline displayed in the school hall. They learned that the Nile was essential for many reasons: It provided water for drinking and washing. It supported farming, as the river flooded each year and left behind rich, fertile soil, perfect for growing crops such as wheat and barley. The children also discussed how the ancient name for Egypt, Kemet, meaning ‘black land’, referred to the dark, fertile soil along the Nile. They discovered that the Egyptians believed the yearly floods were a blessing from the god Hapi, whom they worshipped to ensure the river continued to bring life each year. They were fascinated to discover how the past could be presented in these different ways and worked brilliantly throughout the lesson.
Year 6 - Striking and Fielding
This week, Year 6 have been putting their cricket skills into practice. They applied the techniques they have developed in bowling, batting, and fielding to real game situations, demonstrating teamwork, strategy and sportsmanship.
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Year 5 - Science
In science, we explored the three key components of the fire triangle - heat, oxygen and fuel. We considered the consequences of removing one of these elements and how this plays a role in fire safety. We discussed how combustion is an irreversible reaction where carbon and oxygen combine to produce carbon dioxide.
Harvest Singing Worship
What a joyous way to start a glorious Monday morning with our Harvest singing worship. It was the first time that our new Reception class had joined us for collective worship and they were little superstars. They joined in with our Harvest songs with enthusiasm. A huge thank you to our Year 5 and 6 children for modelling the actions to our Reception children. We are looking forward to singing these special songs of praise in our school Harvest Church Service on Thursday 23rd October and we have been invited to sing in our church for a special Harvest Sunday service on Sunday 12th October. All welcome.
Year 3- Science- Exploring materials which are reflective
Year 3 worked scientifically to explore which materials are good reflectors of light, using a variety of materials. Through their investigation, the scientist discovered that several materials are excellent reflectors. They learned that mirrors are highly reflective due to their smooth surface, which bounces light back in a predictable way. Metals like aluminum, copper, and silver were also identified as being highly reflective. They also looked at specialised materials like glass beads used in road markings and retroreflective materials found in safety gear, noting that these are designed to reflect light directly back to its source. They also discussed how some materials, like fluorescent materials and certain synthetic fabrics, are used to enhance visibility and safety, even if they reflect light differently. Overall, the children concluded that reflective materials have many benefits, from improving safety to creating interesting visual effects.
Reception: Muddy Monday
The children in Reception class had a fabulous first Muddy Monday session. They built dens, created bug houses and enjoyed making potions together. They showed super team work skills and their imaginations were running wild. Well done Reception!
Year 1 Art- Materials and their textures
Today in Art, we looked at different materials such as cardboard, bubble wrap, buttons, plastic etc and used some new vocabulary to describe their texture. We decided if the material was rough, smooth, bumpy, soft or hard. Then we matched our materials to their describing word independently. Well done Year 1!
After School Foodie Club- Choc Chip Cookies
Today at the After-School Club, Years 3 and 4 bakers made delicious chocolate chip cookies. They carefully weighed out the sugar and flour, and the children especially loved cracking the eggs, one of the highlights of the session. Apparently, one of the best cookies they've ever had!
Friday Celebration Worship
This morning, we took a moment to reflect on what has been a busy and wonderful third week of school. Our week began with a focus on God’s Big Story in Whole School Worships, where we came together to deepen our understanding. Year 6 had a fantastic time creating artwork in the Darwen Town Centre, while Years 3, 4, and 6 took part in a Let’s Go Sing Choir workshop, which has inspired even more children to sign up for our school choir. Year 5 enjoyed a Move and Learn session with BwD, and our entire school embraced the excitement of the new clubs that started this week, including Foodie Friends, Football, Fred & Pearl Craft Club, Choir, Netball, and Forest Schools. We also took time to celebrate our individual value award winners, with a huge well done to Zachary and Hollie in KS1, and Eva, Emily, Jack, and Elsie in KS2, for their dedication across the curriculum, their embodiment of our Barney’s 4Bs and Christian Values, and for spreading joy throughout the school. In addition, we were pleased to award India Mill as our Value Award winners for the second consecutive week, and Year 6 as the winners in KS2 with 100% attendance, while Reception and Year 1 in EYFS and KS1 earned recognition with a fantastic 99.3% attendance. Next, we celebrated our out-of-school achievers, including Albie for earning his 5m and 10m swimming certificates, Evie for her bravery in attending Rainbows for the first time, Alice for being awarded Cheerleader of the Week, Peyton for winning Star of the Week at gymnastics, Grace for achieving a highly commended in her recent acro exam, Charlie for being named Student of the Week at Junior Dragons Martial Arts Club, Ava for being awarded Squirrel of the Week, Mason for being runner-up in a recent darts tournament, Lyla for receiving a certificate of excellence for her gymnastics and acro talent, and Annabel for being named Star of the Week at her dance school. Finally, we ended our worship with some heartfelt prayers from Mason, Ella, and Zachary, who prayed for those affected by war and conflict, for those suffering from illnesses, and for those who don’t have enough food—especially as Harvest approaches. We also sang “Our God is a Great Big God.” A quick reminder from Mrs. Ham: Next Friday, September 26th, we’ll be hosting the Macmillan Coffee Morning. All donations will be greatly appreciated.