Living out God's big story Worship
Today we joined Lisa and Bishop Philip for another Worship across the Diocese worship. They introduced this year's theme of 'Living out God's big story' and had a conversation about what it means to live out God's Big Story. Bishop Philip told us about the ways in which he lives out God's Big Story through his work and when he is on holiday! We then reflected on how we can live out God's Big Story. To finish we practiced singing 'Welcome Everybody' and 'Stronger Together'. Thank you to our amazing Year 6 class for singing brilliantly at the front and demonstrating the actions to the rest of our school family.
Year 3- Science -Investigating Sources of Light
This week, our Year 3 scientists have been exploring various sources of light and categorising them accordingly. We examined candles that can be switched on as well as those lit with a flame, and considered the various ways we illuminate our streets at night, such as lamps and streetlights. The children enjoyed making observations, asking questions, and discussing the differences between natural and man-made sources of light.
Friday Celebration Worship
This morning, in our first celebration of the new academic year, we began by reflecting on a fantastic first week back at school. Over the past few days, we have revisited our Barney’s 4Bs and our Christian Values, warmly welcomed our new Reception starters, and transitioned smoothly into our new classes. We then turned our attention to celebrating some incredible out-of-school achievements. Well done to Ava for earning her 10m and Stage 3 swimming certificates, Grace for collecting multiple medals in ballet, song and dance, and acro, and Willow for being named Star of the Week at Gymfinity Kids for her outstanding skill. Congratulations also to Mollie, Samuel, and Olivia for their hard work completing the BwD Summer Reading Challenge, Lyla for her medals and trophy in improvised and commercial dance, and Callie for her exceptional achievements in gymnastics, Stage 6 swimming, and earning her dragon belt in Jiu-Jitsu. We also applauded Phoebe for her 5m swimming certificate, Charlie for helping his football team secure 2nd place in a recent tournament and winning the Manager’s Cup, and Hendrix for earning numerous badges at Squirrels. A big congratulations to Year 2 and Year 5 for winning this week’s attendance awards—Year 2 achieved an incredible 100% attendance, and Year 5 closely followed with 98.8%. Mrs Ham then shared some exciting upcoming events to look forward to: the whole-school production of Treasure Island on Tuesday 9th September, a ‘Let’s Go Sing’ workshop for Years 4, 5, and 6 on Monday 15th September aimed at boosting choir participation, our ‘Meet the Teacher’ meetings on Wednesday 17th September, our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 26th September, and a ‘Stay and Play’ morning on Thursday 2nd October for children due to start school in September 2026. We ended our worship with heartfelt prayers from Renee, James, and Mason, who prayed for kindness and for all those suffering from illness or living amidst war and conflict and a singalong to ‘Shine From the Inside Out.’ Thank you to everyone who joined us this week—we look forward to welcoming more of our school family to Friday Celebration Worship in the coming weeks.
Year 3-Swimming Information & Kit List
This afternoon, our Year 3 class met with Nicola, a swimming instructor from Darwen Leisure Centre, to prepare for our upcoming lessons. The instructor answered all of the children's questions and explained what they can expect during their first session on Friday, September 12th.
Let your light shine worship with Bishop Philip
This morning in our collective worship, Bishop Philip welcomed everyone back to school. We reflected on why we come to school and how Jesus was a teacher and his disciples were the learners. He encouraged us all to shine out with the gifts and talents that God has given to us. If we shine with the light of learning, service and love we can make the world a better place. We thought about how we can shine from the inside out this school year and finished with one of our favourite songs, 'Shine from the Inside Out'.
Year 3- R.E- Why do communities celebrate Harvest?
This afternoon in R.E, Year 3 have started a new topic all about harvest celebrations. We're exploring why communities around the world, and Christians in particular, celebrate the harvest. The children have been reflecting on some big questions, such as: Why do communities celebrate the harvest? What exactly is being celebrated at this time of year? We've had some wonderful discussions about the children’s own experiences of harvest festivals, whether at church, school, or within their own communities. They've shared what they already know and have come up with some fantastic questions that we'll be exploring together in the coming lessons.
Whole School Worship - School Pride
Our first collective worship was a chance for us to celebrate being back together as a school family and reflect on what we hope for the year ahead. Mrs Ham began with a look at our school vision and invited the children to share ideas of how we can all contribute to our 'love-filled Christian family'. The children spoke in depth about acts of respect and kindness, which led Mrs Ham on to a recap of our school rules: Barney's 4 Be's- Be ready, be kind, be safe and be respectful. We discussed the importance of following our rules in order that we take real pride in our school and help every part of our school family to flourish. Some of our children even chose to come to the front of worship to demonstrate exemplary behaviour such as wonderful walking and legendary lining up. There were also reminders about healthy snack choices and the importance of attending school each day. We are so proud of our overall school attendance for the previous academic year and the children shared some reasons why regular attendance is important. We left our worship feeling energised and excited about the year ahead.
Year 3- Class Worship- What can flags represent?
This morning in our class worship, we used a "Picture News" to discuss a recent news story about flags being displayed across the UK. We explored different opinions, considering why people might see the flags as a way to show pride for their country and support for sports teams. We also discussed the concerns of others who feel the flags can be used to make some people feel unwelcome. After our discussion, the children were challenged to create their own flags to represent something important to them, such as their family or school. They had the chance to think about what symbols, colours, and words they would include to show what they believe in. The activity helped them understand how flags can be powerful symbols that bring people together but can also be used to divide. Some of the children created a flag with a drawing representing each family member, their favourite sports, favourite colours and hobbies etc.
Fantastic first day back!
We are incredibly proud of how well all the children have settled back into school and their new classes! They've had a fantastic first day of living life in all its fullness. A special shout out to our new Reception class and the new children who have joined our school family – they showed incredible courage on their first day. We're looking forward to another super day tomorrow! On Friday we will have our first Celebration Worship of the year where we will learn from our class teachers how well the children have settled into their new classes and we will also present children with any out of school awards. We will start our Values Awards winners next Friday after the children have been busy collecting values points over the next few days. Parents and carers are very welcome to join us on Friday mornings at 9.05am every week for Celebration Worship. Refreshments will be served from 8.45am in the hall. Reception class children will not be joining us for Celebration Worship for a few weeks until they have settled in. We will let Reception parents know before they start to attend.
Year 3- Maths- Representing Numbers to 100
Our lesson today focused on representing numbers up to 100. Year 3 particularly enjoyed our starter activity, 'Chin It Spin,' which was a great way to get them thinking and working together. They then worked incredibly hard using a variety of resources, including Base Ten equipment, to build and understand different numbers. It was a hands-on and engaging session that showed just how ready they are for a year of learning.
End of Year Awards Ceremony
This morning, we held a truly special Thursday Awards Ceremony, honouring students from EYFS to Year 5 with our Progress Award, Star of the Year Award, and Children’s Champion Award. We also proudly announced our new Head Boy and Girl, and Deputy Head Boy and Girl. In Reception, Minnie received the Progress Award, Finn was recognised as the Children’s Champion, and Reggie earned the Star of the Year award. For Year 1, the Progress Award went to Thomas, Lydia was named Children’s Champion, and Skye received the Star of the Year. Year 2 saw Roman earn the Progress Award, Renee the Children’s Champion Award, and Albie the Star of the Year Award. In Year 3, Joshua was presented with the Progress Award, Scarlett with the Children’s Champion Award, and Alfie with the Star of the Year Award. Year 4 celebrated Tristen with the Progress Award, Sonny with the Children’s Champion Award, Peyton with the Star of the Year, Sofia with the Sharon Kay Cup for Kindness (awarded since 1984 to a Year 4 student epitomising kindness), and April with the Planet Protector Award for her exceptional care for our world. In Year 5, Neve earned the Progress Award, Bella the Children’s Champion, and Ella the Star of the Year Award. Our current Head Boy revealed Charlie as our new Head Boy, and our current Head Girl announced Isabelle as our new Head Girl. The current Deputy Head Boy announced Edward as the new Deputy Head Boy, and our current Deputy Head Girl named Eden as the new Deputy Head Girl. Finally, our current Sports Leaders proudly announced our new Sports Leaders: Neve, Summer, Ella, Theo, Seb, and Luca.
Our Amazing Attendance Winners for 2024/25
This morning at our Special End of Year Award Ceremony, we also celebrated our students with amazing attendance awards, recognising those who achieved 100% attendance and above 96% attendance across all Year groups from EYFS to Year 5. Congratulations on your exceptional attendance—you're all superstars!