Year 3 Class Worship: Happy News and Fun Reflections
During our class worship today, we explored several inspiring stories from our Happy News issue, reflecting on the theme of happiness and how small actions can make a big difference. We learned about "Moon Chickpeas" being grown in special soil for astronauts, the kindness of "Yakult Ladies" in Japan who check on the elderly, and the creativity of 10-year-old fashion designer Max Alexander. We also celebrated the return of the Large Tortoiseshell butterfly to the UK and the use of "super-hearing" to keep hedgehogs safe. Following these stories, we shared our own thoughts on what makes us happy and what "fun" truly means to us, such as the joy of spending quality time with friends and family. Charlie then read a prayer from Picture News, which thanked God for the things that bring us joy and excitement, like our favourite hobbies and games, and for the friends and family we share them with. We concluded that whether it is through a global scientific breakthrough or a simple chat with a friend, we all have the power to spread happiness and look out for one another.
Year 3-A Brain Break
During our assessments today, we made sure to take a purposeful break between papers to give everyone’s brain a rest. The children stopped for a few minutes to enjoy some quiet reading or to engage in creative writing, jotting down whatever ideas came to their heads. Some children even chose to write about their break times. It was a fantastic way for the class to "switch off" for a moment, recharge, and feel refreshed and ready to start the next part of their assessment.
Let's Go Sing 2026
* Pure Magic at the Blackburn Ice Arena! * I am bursting with pride this evening after watching our incredible school choir perform at the Let’s Go Sing concert. Seeing them out there, singing their hearts out with such passion, was a moment I won't forget! What struck me most wasn't just the beautiful music, but the sheer enthusiasm and commitment our children showed. They didn't just learn the songs; they mastered every word and every action, performing with huge smiles and brilliant energy. * A Huge Thank You * Events like this don’t happen without a massive team effort behind the scenes: • To Mrs. Govan and Mrs. Wilkinson: Thank you for your tireless dedication, your lunchtime rehearsals, and for championing our young vocalists every step of the way. • To our Parents and Carers: Thank you for braving the cold at the arena to cheer them on! Your support in the stands means the world to the children (and to us). Our children represented the school perfectly tonight, behaving impeccably. They truly found their voices! What little superstars!
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Our Whole School Worship-Palm Sunday and Serving Others
Our whole school worship began with signing the Trinity, bringing the whole school together in reflection. To explore the theme of our new Kindness Kite, Jack (Y5), Eliza (Y5), and Olivia (Y4) shared the Fairness Kite, which explained the biblical perspective on justice and treating others equitably. Mrs Ham asked the children to take a moment to reflect on everything we have done as a school to serve others who don't have as much as us. We looked back on our collective efforts to help those in need: Donating clothes, coats for the homeless, and teddies, which were organised by Year 5 Rotakids. Collecting food for Harvest and supporting the Darwen Enterprise Easter Egg appeal. Filling shoe boxes and raising money through sponsored walks. Worship continued with Mrs Ham reading a rhyming Palm Sunday Bible story about Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, which the children and staff acted out brilliantly. Jesus and his friends were played by Charlie G, Peyton, and Mr Bloomfield. Zac (Year 1) played the donkey that carried Jesus into the city. Iris, Ava, and many other children acted as the crowd, waving palm leaves to welcome the King. Mrs Araujo and Mr Mealor played the Pharisees, representing the religious leaders who disagreed with Jesus and watched the parade with concern. To end our worship, we sang, 'We Have a King Who Rides a Donkey.' We left worship thinking about the example Jesus set and how we can continue to give in service to those around us.
Year 3- Science- Weathering: How Rocks Break!
This week, the Year 3 scientists recapped on the previous lesson learning all about rocks. They started by talking with their peers about different rock groups: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. The main part of the lesson was about weathering, which is how rocks get broken or worn away over time. They looked at physical weathering (like freezing water), chemical weathering (like acid rain), and biological weathering (like tree roots growing through cracks). There was lots of "talk time" for the children to use their oracy skills, especially when discussing which rocks make the strongest walls. By the end, they could explain how weathering changes rocks and pick the best ones for different jobs.
Year 3- Maths- Calculating perimeter of 2D shapes
This week, Year 3 have worked hard on their maths, focusing on calculating the perimeter of various 2D shapes. The children have been learning how to measure and add the distances around the outside of an object, and drawing their own complex shapes.
Year 3- R.E-The Easter Narrative: A Journey of Mixed Emotions
This afternoon, Year 3 began their new unit, Is the Cross a Symbol of Sadness or Joy? We started with a quick quiz about the Easter story and were reminded of our Questful characters as we prepared for our journey. Following the arrow to show our direction of travel, we looked at the key events of Holy Week, including Palm Sunday, the Temple, the Last Supper, and the Crucifixion. The children discussed the different emotions people experienced throughout the story and shared what they would like to find out on their quest.
Choir - Concert Practice
Choir have been working really hard on polishing their performance in preparation for the Let's Go Sing concert at Planet Ice next week. The children have worked really hard to remember the lyrics and actions for a range of different songs and are now excited to perform to a live audience. We can't wait to see them shine!
Year 3- Class Meeting-If one feeling could follow you around all day like a little helper, which would you choose?
This week, the Year 3 class meeting was led by Archie, with Molly acting as our note-taker. We discussed the question: If one feeling could follow you around like a little helper, which would you choose? The discussion showcased incredible maturity and oracy skills, as students debated the complexities of kindness. Many felt that being kind all the time can leave you vulnerable to bullying. Drawing on our school values and the teachings of Jesus, we spoke about the balance of being a "better person", combining gentleness with the strength to stand up for ourselves. Ultimately, many groups voted for confidence, eager to embrace the bravery needed to tackle new challenges and navigate social situations with a strong, clear voice.
Year 3 Class Worship-Year 3 Explore Robotics and Respect
During our class worship, Year 3 were inspired by a recent news story about humanoid robots performing at China’s Lunar New Year Gala. We used the theme "Beyond the Battery" to explore our Christian value of Respect while discussing how technology is rapidly changing the world around us. During our "Pupil Talk" session, the children were fascinated by how robots could spin, jump, and dance to music. This inspired them to develop some truly innovative ideas for robot jobs in our own lives. They suggested that robots could be designed to help with difficult chores, assist people with disabilities, help them with their homework, give out hugs and teach the children a dance routine. We also took time to think deeper about the difference between a living person and an object made by human hands. Reflecting on Psalm 115, we discussed how technology can mimic the way we move, but it can never replace the unique life that makes every human being special. We talked about how, unlike robots that follow instructions, humans have their own feelings, imaginations, and the ability to show true kindness. To conclude our worship, Archie shared a prayer thanking God for the skills that allow us to build and invent. We asked for the wisdom to use our inventions to treat every person with the dignity and respect they deserve. It was a fantastic session that encouraged the children to look "beyond the battery" at the true value of the people around them.
Whole School Worship - Sharing What We Have
Our kindness kite focus for this week, ‘Shared what they had’, linked perfectly with today’s story, the Feeding of the 5000. Before sharing the story, Mrs Ham asked children to about times they have shared with others. These included smiles, toy and clothing donations and even car sharing. After watching the story, the children reflected on the benefits of sharing and how God provides for his people in abundance, just like how the small amount of food multiplied upon Jesus’s faithful request to God. In reflection, we considered what we could share with others throughout Lent and made pledges to do so. We brought our worship to a close by sharing our wonderful singing voices with one another, practising some Easter songs for our upcoming service.
What’s Your Question? Year 3 Celebrates British Science Week 2026
Year 3 officially launched British Science Week with an "out-of-this-world" experience! Our budding scientists dived into a 'Horrible Histories; Science Live Lesson, joined by Grace Webb, 'The Rapping Science Teacher' Matt Green, and legendary astronaut Tim Peake. Together, we investigated the mysteries of light energy and our solar system, separating "science fact" from "science fiction. Inspired by this year’s theme, ‘Curiosity: What’s your question?’, the classrooms became hubs of oracy and debate. Pupils took centre stage to practice speaking and listening. The children then had questions of their own. How does the Moon stay in the sky? What does space actually smell like? What would happen if the Earth stopped spinning for just one second? We also turned our curiosity inward, creating Time Capsules in a Jar to capture who we are now and who we hope to become by the end of the year. It’s been a fantastic start to a week of big questions and even bigger ideas! What’s your question?