Reception class celebrate Interfaith Week
Reception class had a highly engaging week exploring Islam and the life of a Muslim. During their worship session with Miss Kachwalla, the class delved into the Five Pillars of Islam. Miss Kachwalla enhanced the learning by demonstrating her prayer mat and discussing the significance of pilgrimages. The children really enjoyed listening to Miss Kachwalla and enjoyed looking at her special clothes. Miss Kachwalla explained why certain foods were significant to Islam. They enjoyed tasting honey, wholemeal bread, melon, figs and olives and found out that Muslims eat these to keep healthy, help our bodies and to give us energy too. Thank you so much Miss Kachwalla, we have really enjoyed learning all about your religion!
Year 2 Interfaith Week
We tasted some special foods and learned about the 5 Pillars of Islam. Thank you Miss Kachwalla for sharing your faith with us.
Year 5 - Inter Faith Week
Miss Kachwalla kindly told Year 5 all about her faith - Islam. She told us about how the 5 pillars of Islam are rules to guide Muslims. She showed us pictures of her trips to Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem and told us about her pilgrimage to Mecca. Miss Kachwalla also showed us her prayer mat and discussed how prayers allow her to feel closer to God. To celebrate Inter Faith Week, we tried foods recommended by the Prophet for being healthy and natural: dates, bread, figs, honey, olives and melon.
Year 6 - Interfaith Week
This week we celebrated Interfaith Week with Miss. Kachwalla, who shared what being a Muslim means to her and how her faith guides her daily life. During her workshop, she introduced the children to the key beliefs and practices of Islam, including the importance of kindness, community and prayer. The children asked thoughtful questions and showed great curiosity. To end the session, the children enjoyed tasting a selection of traditional foods from her culture, giving them a wonderful chance to experience and appreciate something new.
Year 3- R.E-Exploring Purpose with Rev. Ben
This morning, Year 3 had an inspiring visit from Rev. Ben, who shared insights about the concept of a "calling" from the biblical story of Samuel. Rev. Ben passionately highlighted that every job is important and can be a calling from God, whether it's being a doctor, a teacher, or a bin lorry driver . The central message was that whatever we choose to do, we can honour God and help others through our work. He also explained that the stole he wore is a significant vestment, representing his role as a minister, and the children even had the exciting opportunity to try it on. The children demonstrated great preparation and curiosity by asking Rev. Ben the questions they had prepared, which he took the time to answer. During a moment of thoughtful silence, children were encouraged to reflect on what God might be calling them to do. Rev. Ben, who has been a minister for six years, also shared openly about his own faith journey, beautifully stating that while he sometimes feels close to God, the true assurance is knowing He is always with him, guiding his path in ministry. We are incredibly grateful for Rev. Ben's visit, which provided a wonderful opportunity for our children to explore faith, purpose, and the importance of all vocations.
Let’s Go Sing Workshop
On Monday our choir had a fantastic Let's Go Sing Workshop with Rose. She was so impressed with their enthusiasm and fabulous singing! They are looking forward to practising all of the songs ready for their concert in March. Mrs Ham told them about lots of other exciting choir events coming up soon too such as singing at Acer Lodge Care Home, our Christmas Fair, a lantern parade in Whitehall Park and our church Carol Service.
Year 6: Remembrance Service
Our Year 6 children took part in the Darwen Cemetery remembrance day service this morning and we were so proud of the remarkable respect that they showed. A huge well done to Mason for his lovely reading and to all of our children for their maturity and compassion when placing crosses on the graves of the soldiers who bravely fought for our country. After the service the children learned that the piper used to attend St Barnabas as a child so he let the children try on his special hat. As a reward for representing our school so brilliantly, the children got to enjoy their break time on the play area in Whitehall Park. #WeWillRememberThem #remembrance #remembranceday #lestweforget
Year 6 - Money Matters
During our Money Matters session this week, the children learned about the importance of understanding money and how it is used in everyday life. The children explored different ways people earn, spend, save and budget money and discussed why making sensible financial choices is important. The children took part in engaging activities and role-play scenarios to help them think about needs versus wants and how to make responsible spending decisions. The session encouraged thoughtful discussion and helped the children develop a better understanding of how money plays a role in their lives and the wider world.
Reception: Muddy Monday
The children in Reception went to Jacks Key for their Muddy Monday session. They found lots of natural resources to build bonfires in preparation for Bonfire night on Wednesday. The children then went on a rainy walk and showed great perseverance and resilience. The children all worked well together and it is lovely to see them continuing to develop during these sessions.
Whole School-Harvest Festival at the Church – Living Life in All Its Fullness
This morning, our school community came together at our church to celebrate our Harvest Festival, a joyful morning filled with song, prayer, and thanksgiving. The service began as Naomi and Martha signed The Trinity, followed by everyone joining in a rendition of our Harvest Samba song. We also heard about Bishop Philip’s inspiring challenge, pedalling to raise money for those in need, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. As part of the Bishop of Blackburn’s Harvest Appeal, we have been encouraging everyone to ‘Pedal Along’ and raise money for Christians in South Africa. Olivia shared a thoughtful talk, and Darcy reminded us to keep in our prayers families and countries around the world who are suffering. We also gave thanks for the work of DARE and reflected on people using their time and energy to support good causes. The reception and Year 2 class delighted everyone with their Harvest songs. Year 1 shared Thank You for Our Favourite Food, helping us reflect on gratitude. Lilly and Sofia led us in a thoughtful final prayer. We also said goodbye and good luck to Miss Norton, April, and Eve, and shared our thanks to Mrs Araujo, Mrs Ham, and our dedicated WOW Group for helping make this service so meaningful. Our Harvest celebration at the church was a wonderful reminder of our school vision, living life in all its fullness, through thankfulness, compassion, and community. Wishing all our families a restful and joy-filled half-term break!
Year 5 - Debt Aware
Mrs Whittam visited Year 5 to talk to the children about how to manage money. The class first considered the difference between wants and needs before defining the terms debt, spending and borrowing. The children engaged in paired and class discussions and completed a range of activities and games to help develop their understanding of money.
Year 2-Darwen Fire Brigade Visit
This afternoon, Year 2 had a special visit from the Darwen Fire Brigade. The firefighters spoke to the children about the importance of having a working smoke alarm at home—especially at night when we are asleep and might not notice a fire. As part of their visit, they set the children a very important piece of homework: to go home and check that their house has a smoke alarm installed. The brigade then gave an exciting and informative demonstration of the various features of their fire engine. They showed the children their breathing apparatus—masks and air tanks—which help them breathe safely in smoke-filled environments. The children were particularly fascinated by the thermal imaging camera, which helps firefighters see through thick smoke and darkness. The firefighters also explained that their role goes beyond fighting fires. A big part of their job involves attending road traffic accidents. They demonstrated some of the specialist rescue equipment they use in these situations, including vehicle extraction cutters. To end the visit, every child had the chance to use the fire hose—a highlight that brought huge smiles to everyone’s faces! A huge thank you to the Darwen Fire Brigade for an unforgettable visit and for helping Year 2 learn how to stay safe.