Year 5 - PSHE
In this lesson, we considered the skills and qualities needed to be successful at a range of jobs. The children discussed the potential careers that may interest them, including science, sport, construction and medicine. We then thought about what characteristics are needed for each role. For veterinary medicine, we decided that you should be ambitious, compassionate, hard working and mentally strong. We also considered how important the characteristics of dedication, discipline and confidence are for sports people.
Year 3- Class Meeting- Should TIKTOK be banned?
During our class meeting, James and Alice led a debate on whether TikTok should be banned. The children shared many strong points, with those in favour of a ban arguing that the app can be unsafe for young children, time-consuming, and sometimes used for unkind behaviour. On the other hand, those who disagreed pointed out that TikTok is a fun way to be creative, learn new skills like dancing or crafts, and stay connected with friends. After a long discussion where everyone gave good reasons for their opinions, we held a vote. The "Yes" side received the highest number of votes, so we will be taking further action on this in a few weeks. We also looked back at our work raising money for a brain tumour cure, showing how important it is for our class to speak up and take action for things we believe in. We will be baking to raise money soon. It is wonderful to see the class so eager to speak up and take real action to help others.
Year 5 - Kindness Kites
2026 is the centenary year for the Blackburn Diocese, which includes the churches and schools in the local area. To celebrate this, everyone at St Barnabas has been thinking about kindness and the different forms that it can take. Previously the children have considered the power of saying something kind, listening and sharing while giving examples from their own lives. This week, we completed our ‘making peace’ kite and over the next two weeks we will start thinking about generosity.
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Year 5 Smart School Council Big Debate
Today we took part in our Smart School Council Big Debate. We were asked if Tik Tok should be banned for everyone in the UK. We had six groups, four voted no and two groups voted yes. The main reasons discussed were that it should be banned as it’s a Temu version of YouTube and it’s full of inappropriate content and toxic people. On the other hand some thought it shouldn’t be banned as they think it allows people to connect to others, have fun and interact, it can also be really useful to find out relevant information. Most of the children did highlight though that it should have an age restriction of 16 years old and above. We had some wonderful points that were shared that showcased our oracy skills in Year 5.
Year 3- Class Meeting: Oracy in Action: The Big Bake 2026
During today's class meeting, Eddie and Roman led a powerful session on joining The Big Bake 2026 to support the brain tumour community. This initiative provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to develop their oracy skills, as they engaged in a thoughtful debate about how their collective efforts could help save lives. By practising active listening and articulating their ideas clearly, the students moved from initial deliberation to a unanimous, enthusiastic "Yes" vote. This Smart School Council action not only serves a vital cause but also showcases the students' growing confidence in using their voices to drive change and collaborate on a plan to bake and sell goods together.
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Collaborative Design in Year 4
As part of our design process, Year 4 have been using their oracy skills to discuss their designs and reasons for their choices. Using their ‘Talk Tokens’ they highlight the best features of their design and what they may need to work on as well as developing peer evaluation through talk.
Year 4 - British Science Week Investigation
Our curious Year 4 class loved their British Science Week investigation. Their objective was to build a small raft to hold as many marbles as possible without sinking. The children only had plain paper, masking tape and tin foil. After each build, the children tested their raft and recorded the number of marbles held. They then had to decide as a group how they would improve on their design and make their next raft. Each group made a total of four rafts and the maximum number of marbles held on one raft was 60 - amazing! As part of this special session, the children also took part in a quiz, learned some weird and wonderful scientific facts and had the opportunity to ask their own curiosity questions.
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Smart School Council in Year 4
This week we looked at whether technology can be a help or a hindrance when learning. The children used their talk tokens to discuss this issue and did so in a very mature way. It was lovely to hear all of points and great to see turn taking and listening intently even whilst challenging their peers.
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Year 4 PSHE - Who helps us stay healthy and safe?
In our PSHE session this week we looked at who can help us stay healthy and safe. We looked at the roles of a teacher, doctor, police officer, crossing patrol, site supervisor, school administrator, nurse and child line councillor. The children worked in small groups and all collaborated on their posters to produce some super pieces of work.
Year 4 - World Book Day Hook
The children are really looking forward to World Book Day, especially following this survival kit activity based on our first class novel, The Explorer. We watched the news report of the plane crash from 2023, in which 4 children ended up stranded in the Colombian jungle. The children instantly recognised the similarities between the incident and the events of The Explorer. Following this the children spent time in groups, using their talk tokens and debating the four most important items to pack in their rucksack for their survival. Each group had a brilliant discussion about why some things are more essential than others and how important it is to meet basic needs first. The children are going to love the activities planned for Year 4 for World Book Day.
Year 5 - NSPCC
Today, we prepared for a future visit by the NSPCC by engaging in activities and discussions around the topic of how children can stay safe by speaking out about any concerns or worries they might have. We discussed the different ways that children can be harmed (e.g. emotional or physical bullying) and who the safe adults are that they can talk to inside and outside school.
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Year 5 Carbon Monoxide Workshop
On Tuesday, Year 5 had their carbon monoxide workshop. During this workshop, the children watched videos and took part in group/drama activities to help them learn: what carbon monoxide is and that it is known as CO; that you cannot see, smell, hear, taste or touch it; the effects carbon monoxide can have on our bodies and also how we can keep ourselves and our homes safe. The children received and brought home packs containing helpful information regarding CO.