Reception- Super sentence writing
This half terms topic is ‘we are explorers’ and this week we have been learning all about the beach. The children have written independent sentences relating to the picture on the writing sheet. The children thought of their own sentences and used the sound mats and tricky word mats to help them.
Year 3- Geography-Exploring South America in Geography
In today’s geography lesson, the children explored the continent of South America. Using atlases, they located South America on a world map and began identifying both physical and human features found across the region. Year 3 watched a short video clip to help bring the landscape to life. The children were amazed by the Amazon Rainforest, the towering Andes Mountains, and the powerful Amazon River. We also explored some of South America's remarkable human landmarks, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Other stunning features that captured the children’s interest included Iguazu Falls, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world, and the culture and history.
Year 3- Class Worship-The Power of Perseverance
In today’s class worship, we explored the value of perseverance. We watched an episode where Rev Anne didn’t give up while searching for something important, just like in the parable of the lost coin. We were encouraged to keep going, even when things feel difficult. Lisa gave us a prayer challenge using beads, helping us focus on not giving up, especially with our learning and goals. We talked about what perseverance means, and the children shared their examples. Some of the things they prayed for included: Trying their best in tricky subjects like maths or reading. Not giving up when learning to ride a bike. Staying focused when practising for a school play or sports event. Being patient and kind when working with others. Continuing to work hard even when they’re tired or something feels hard. It was a thoughtful time of sharing and reflection, reminding us all to keep going and never give up!
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Darwen Primary Schools Athletics Winners 2025
We are so immensely proud of our amazing athletics squad for winning the Darwen Primary School Athletics at Witton Park tonight! They showed so much determination and put in a great deal of effort, as well as showing fantastic encouragement to each other. A huge thank you to Mrs Gardner for her coaching and organising all of the paperwork. Thanks also to Mrs Araujo, Miss Kachwalla and Mr Prescott for their support and for being great marshals. Thank you to our parents and carers for your support and for transporting your child. I am one proud Headteacher tonight! We might be small, but we are mighty! All of the photos can be found here: https://www.stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/photo-galleries/witton-athletics-winners-2025
Monday Worship
Our Monday worship today began with a deep dive into the life of the biblical character David, as the children reflected on his story and offered thanks to God through the joyful sound of musical instruments. The collective voice of the school then resonated with the hymn "Sing a New Song to the Lord," setting a tone of gratitude and adoration. Mrs. Araujo then introduced a new and engaging activity for the "Year of Prayer" class: mirror prayers. The worship continued with singing a variety of school favourites including the ever-popular "School Rules Song" and the uplifting "My Lighthouse." A poignant moment also arose as Year 6 requested to sing l "Leavers' Song." The highlight for many came at the close of worship with an exclusive sneak peek of the much-anticipated Year 6 production of "Annie!" We can't wait to watch the production very soon!
Year 3- P.E-Mastering Throws and Jumps
In today’s P.E. lesson, the children practised different throwing techniques, pull, push, and sling, to throw for distance. Working in teams, they took turns throwing and sprinting to collect the equipment. They also explored how different types of equipment affected their throws and gave each other helpful feedback. At Station 2, they had fun with the “Jump the Stream” activity, using a hop, step, and jump from both a standing start and a short run-up. Partners counted how many jumps were needed to cross the “stream.” It was a great session full of movement, teamwork, and skill-building.
Year 3- D.T-Creating Nets for Castle Construction
In today's D.T. lesson, the children began constructing the pieces for their castles by creating nets to form 3D shapes. They used these shapes as the building blocks for their castle structures, following guidance from the pupil video, Nets and Structures.
Year 2 - Year of Prayer
This afternoon, Year 2 spent some peaceful time in our spiritual garden for our Year of Prayer session. This week, we focused on thanking God for guiding us through difficult or hard times. We each found a pebble and held it as we said our prayers. The children shared incredibly thoughtful reflections on their own challenges, and it was wonderful to have a quiet space for such meaningful contemplation.
KS2 Racket Sports Club
As part of the KS2 Racket Sports Club, the children focused on table tennis. They developed essential skills such as hand-eye coordination, agility and quick reflexes. Through a range of fun and competitive activities, the children learned how to serve, rally and score. The children gradually improved their technique and confidence. The club also encouraged teamwork, sportsmanship and resilience, as they supported each other in developing their gameplay and understanding of the sport.
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Friday Celebration Worship
This morning, we kicked off our worship by looking back at our incredibly busy yet fantastic week, focusing on how we can all flourish together. The stories of the Unforgiving Servant and the Earth Shake were central, allowing us to explore the Christian Value of forgiveness and the importance of seeking evidence. This week was also a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our amazing school during the SIAMS inspection on Tuesday. Mrs. Araujo took some of the children from our WOW group to the prayer tent in the old St. Paul’s Church grounds in Hoddlesden, many of our children enjoyed another fabulous cre8ability, Forest School, Multi-Sports and Choir session and our Year 1 and Year 4 gained valuable insights from an environmental workshop about waste and recycling. Then came the well-deserved recognition for our students! We proudly congratulated our individual value award winners: Reggie, Olly, and Eva in EYFS and KS1, and Naomi, April, Sonny, Mason, Summer, and Freddie in KS2. These children were celebrated for working exceptionally hard across the curriculum and always striving to be their best, both academically and personally. Our attendance winners were also highlighted, with huge congratulations to Year 1 and Year 2 for achieving an outstanding 100% attendance, and Year 4 for an impressive 99.8% attendance. Further congratulations went to India Mill, who were our overall value award winners with a fantastic 669 points, and the children in Year 5 and 6, who clinched the DPSSA Netball league final for the second year running. The celebrations didn't stop there, as we also acknowledged the amazing achievements of our children outside of school. A huge well done to Callie for being ‘Student of the Year’ at Martial Arts, Max for being ‘Player of the Week’ at Little Darreners, and Eva and Alice for representing their dance school in a recent show. Archie was recognised as the ‘Most Improved Player’ for Mill Hill Juniors Football Club, while Marley was ‘Star of the Day’ at the Ed Start Multi-Sports Club. Lydia was awarded Olivia at Rainbows for doing her promise, and Eleanor and Olivia earned a badge for their courage on rides during a trip to Gulliver's World with Rainbows. Alfie competed in a recent tournament, receiving a trophy for being part of the team that won the Europa League and also being ‘Player of the Match.’ In swimming, Jack achieved his Bronze award, Elsie and Vienna received their 200m certificate, and Naomi reached Level 5. Lyla was ‘Star of the Day’ in her lyrical, and Scarlett was named the Under 8s Coaches’ Player for 2024/2025 at Rivington Netball Club. Olivia earned a medal for her football team's unbeaten season, Desmond received the Parents’ Player trophy at football, and James was recognised for being a great team player. Daisy achieved a gold award in a recent gymnastics competition, Peyton earned her yellow belt at kickboxing, and Eliza successfully completed a recent triathlon. To conclude our worship, we were treated to some beautiful prayers from Olivia and Callie, who prayed for peace around the world and offered thanks for our beautiful world and all the wonderful people in our lives, including our school family. Mrs. Ham wished us all a lovely, restful weekend, and the worship ended on a high note with a singalong to ‘My Lighthouse’.
Year 3- PSHE- Personal Space
This afternoon in our PSHE lesson, the children participated in a discussion and activities focused on personal space, physical contact, and body autonomy. The session began by exploring different types of physical contact, such as hugs, kisses, and holding hands, and the feelings associated with them. The concept of personal space was introduced, with children physically demonstrating what that area around their bodies felt like. A key part of the discussion revolved around the importance of respecting other people's personal space and understanding when it's appropriate to invite others into it (like during a game) or when it might be unintentionally invaded (like on a crowded bus). Arabelle and Lyla took an active role in demonstrating key concepts.They showed what personal space looks like, helping the other children understand the invisible bubble we all have around us. They discussed what to do if they feel uncomfortable about a touch, practicing phrases like Stop! or 'That makes me feel uncomfortable.'
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Collective Worship- Seeking Truth and Evidence
Today's worship began with the children singing the song "Jesus Strong and Kind." Following the song, James, Jack, and Lily from Year 4 signed the Trinity, adding a visual element to the worship. Next, the whole school participated in a "Spot the Difference" challenge. Rev. Matt then shared a message emphasizing the importance of delving deeper to find the truth, stating that the Bible provides accounts based on evidence, not made-up stories. He read the Bible story "The Earth Shakes," with children actively participating by acting out the movements described. To encourage reflection and the concept of "living life in all its fullness," the children paired up for a "Question Time," pondering how they could find out more about Jesus. The idea was put forward that we can learn about Jesus by doing what he did and by exploring historical accounts, reflecting how deeply faith is woven into our experiences. The worship concluded with a prayer asking for help to seek evidence.