Whole School Worship
During today’s whole school worship, we reflected on what we might give for Lent. We explored how Lent is a time of sacrifice, remembering Jesus’ sacrifice, but also a time to give — not only by giving something up, but by giving more of ourselves. We thought about how we can share smiles, kindness, love and live out our Christian values in simple, meaningful ways each day. The children shared thoughtful ideas about small changes they could make, both at school and at home, to show patience, forgiveness and generosity. We also focused on this week’s Kindness Kite theme, “Share what you have,” reminding ourselves that even the smallest act of generosity — sharing time, helping a friend or offering encouraging words — can make a big difference to others.
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Whole School Worship - Ramadan
During worship, we were also treated to a special and informative reflection on Ramadan, thoughtfully led by Miss Kachwalla. The session helped us to understand the importance of this sacred month in Islam — a time of prayer, fasting, reflection and generosity. We learned about how Muslims around the world show dedication, self-discipline and compassion during Ramadan, and how values such as kindness, gratitude and community are central to this time. It was a wonderful opportunity to deepen our understanding, celebrate diversity within our school community and reflect on the shared values that bring us together. We also looked at the similarities between Lent and Ramadan and how they were both important times to give to others and give food up or fast to feel closer to God.
Friday Celebration Worship
What a wonderful and incredibly busy first week back we have had in school. On Monday we welcomed special visitors into our school and they were so impressed with the children’s beautiful behaviour, their hard work and their fantastic oracy skills. We are so proud of the way our children represent our school community. A huge thank you to Miss Kachwalla for organising Mad Science, it was a brilliant experience and the children absolutely loved it. This week we have also spent time reflecting on Lent, thinking carefully about what we might give up and how we can grow closer to God during this special season. It has been lovely to see so many children taking part in our amazing after-school clubs and joining in with the Big Winter Wander. We are delighted to celebrate our Values Award winners this week. In Reception, Mason and Phoebe have shown our school values so beautifully. In Year 1, well done to Thea. In Year 2, congratulations to Joey. In Year 3, Alice and Evie have impressed us all. In Year 5, well done to Miles, and in Year 6, congratulations to Beau. Our Pen Licence this week goes to Scarlett in Year 4, what a fantastic achievement for your presentation and handwriting. In our Team Values results, fourth place goes to Darwen Tower, third place to Whitehall Park, second place to India Mill and in first place this week is River Darwen. A huge well done to River Darwen who will get to wear their own clothes on Friday for their disco, enjoy your celebration. We also have so many wonderful sporting achievements to celebrate. Alice has been awarded a trophy in cheerleading for coming second place. Bowen has received a football trophy for his excellent skills. Ida and Layla have both earned a badge for riding trot in horse riding. Phoebe has achieved her 10m swimming certificate and Stage 3. Olivia and Eleanor have earned a Rainbows badge for baking, trying different foods, completing a duck hunt and caring for animals carefully, and Eleanor has also achieved a water skills certificate. Maggie has been awarded a purple belt in martial arts for her fantastic kicking and punching, as well as achieving Stage 3 in gymnastics. Annabelle has received the hardest worker certificate in dance and has the amazing opportunity to go to New York for a dance show, we are so proud. Callie and Charlie have both achieved their 50m swimming certificates. Lyla has won medals in dancing. Seb and Scarlett have received certificates from a sports club during the half-term holidays and Scarlett's netball team also won the league. Tristan has been awarded a purple belt for punching and blocking. Ted has won a huge trophy for BMX racing for coming second in his age category. Lydia has awarded Olivia from Brownies for being kind and helpful. Grace has achieved dance medals for coming second and third. A special well done to our Year 5 football team who played six games, drawing two, narrowly losing one game 1–0, and winning three – a fantastic effort and great teamwork. Well done to Year 1 and Year 3 for achieving the highest attendance this week, your commitment to being in school every day really does make a difference. Looking ahead, we are excited for World Book Day next week. On Tuesday we have special Pinocchio dance workshops and a performance to look forward to. Don't forget to get your dolly peg book character entries in too. On Thursday, children can either dress as a book character or come in their pyjamas. Reception will be performing for Mother’s Day on Friday 13th March and we warmly invite families to join us for our Mother’s Day Sunday Service at church on Sunday 15th March where all of our children are welcome to sing to their Mums. Thank you to Olivia and Ava for leading us in our prayers this week.
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Year 4 English - Writing in Role
In our English session today the children were using a character from our class novel “The Firework Makers Daughter’ to write a short diary extract. The children wrote in the role of Chulak and identified how he felt about finding out the secret to firework making.
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Year 4 - PE: Introduction to Map-Reading
Year 4’s first session of orienteering was focussed on map reading and teamwork. The children were shown a range of equipment and were taught how to read a key. In their groups, the children had to use the keys on their maps to recreate a funny face using the equipment. The challenge was to ensure they communicated as a team as they were only allowed to collect one piece of equipment at a time.
Year 4 - RE: A-Cross The World Project
We've already begun creating our Easter artwork in Year 4. This year, each class has chosen a style of cross from a different country or culture. In Year 4, we learned about the Peruvian cross tapestries made from 100% sheep’s wool and coloured with natural dyes. These tapestries were inspired by the tradition from Chile of using rags to create dolls and embroidering them onto larger pieces of cloth. These were called arpilleras. We used the geometric style of the Peruvian cross as a basis for our oil pastel creations, using a range of horizontal lines merged together to create a gradient of colours.
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Year 4 - English: Zones of Relevance
The children in Year 4 have just started their new English topic on fantasy stories. We are reading The Firework-Maker’s Daughter and, in this lesson, the children had to look at how the main character behaves and decide on some of her key characteristics. They had to use the text and dictionaries to sort a list of personality traits into 3 different zones in order to highlight the character’s most dominant attributes. There was some fantastic co-operative learning taking place.
Mad Science Assembly-Going for Gold with Scientific Erica
Today, our students were treated to a spectacular, high-energy show by "Scientific Erica" from Mad Science. From Olympic-themed fire demonstrations to using gas to inflate giant balloons, the room was filled with "wow" moments and non-stop laughter. Under the expert supervision of Erica, a trained professional in chemical and fire safety, the children stepped into the role of scientists, making predictions and testing their theories in real-time. It was a memorable day that proved science is as much fun as it is educational! A special shout-out goes to our Science Ambassadors, who were a fantastic help throughout the event. Children in Years 1-4 have been given a letter with information about a Mad Science after school club next half term. It starts 13th April with new topics. Deadline date to register is 03.03.26. First come, first served. https://northengland.madscience.org/signin.aspx?successURL=%2fmyschedule
Year 4 Lead Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week Worship
This morning, Year 4 led a truly inspiring Whole School Worship, centering their message on Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. It was a colourful and vibrant start to the day, as all the children arrived 'Dressed to Express.' It was wonderful to see the hall filled with different outfits showcasing the children's unique personalities, hidden talents, and favourite colours—a perfect reminder that being ourselves is key to our wellbeing. The children did an amazing job showcasing their oracy skills. They projected their voices clearly and confidently, ensuring their important message was heard by everyone. The other classes were captivated, listening intently as Year 4 explained the vital link between kindness and mental health. They highlighted how simple acts of kindness are not just good for others, but also boost our own happiness and sense of belonging. The class reminded us all that kindness is a superpower that supports a healthy mind and a happy school community. We brought the worship to a close with some beautiful, thoughtful prayers and raised the roof singing along to ‘My Lighthouse.’ A huge thank you to the parents and carers who came along to support the children; your presence made the morning even more special.
Micro forest planting in Year 4
Today, our Year 4 class swapped the classroom for the great outdoors at Jacks Key! We were thrilled to take part in the exciting new initiative, ‘Growing Our Future: A New Micro Forest’. Working alongside the Lancashire County Council Treescapes team and in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council, our students got their hands dirty for a wonderful cause. We are incredibly proud to say that every single child planted at least two trees! These saplings will grow into a micro-forest that will serve as a lasting legacy for our neighbourhood for decades to come. Well done, Year 4, for helping build a greener future!
Pancake making with Fruiticious in Year 4
Year 4 loved taking part in the Pancake making session with the Fruiticious team this afternoon. They showed us how they made their pancakes, cooked some for us and then even let us sample them with a variety of different toppings. What a brilliant treat to finish off a busy half term!
Year 4 - Science: Water Conservation
To wrap up our Spring 1 science unit, the Year 4 class were learning about the importance of water and how we can conserve it. They learned that they should be drinking at least 6 glasses of water per day and that it must be clean and pure for it to be drinkable. They found out some issues with leaving taps running unnecessarily and they discussed ways in which we can all conserve water. The children then worked in small groups to choose an issue and create a poster showing how to conserve water. The children will be presenting these in a whole school worship next half term.