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 6 - Pancake Visit
A huge thank you to Miss Kachwalla, our Design and Technology leader, and Fruiticious Fountains for the delicious pancakes provided for Year 6. The children thoroughly enjoyed this special treat, which was a wonderful surprise and greatly appreciated by everyone. We also had the opportunity to learn about professional baking. As Shrove Tuesday falls during the school holidays, we enjoyed our pancakes early!
Year 6 - Tree Planting
Today, as part of our whole school sustainability project, Year 6 proudly contributed to the micro forest by planting a variety of trees in Jack’s Key with support from Lancashire County Council Treescapes and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. This exciting opportunity allowed the children to take positive action in caring for their local environment and to understand the important role trees play in supporting wildlife, improving air quality and tackling climate change. Working together in teams, the children carefully planted each sapling, learning about the different species and how they will grow over time. They showed fantastic teamwork, responsibility and enthusiasm throughout the activity. This hands on experience not only supports our school’s commitment to sustainability but also helps to create a lasting legacy for future pupils and the wider community.
Year 6 - Big Winter Wander
As part of the Big Winter Wander, Year 6 enjoyed a walk around Jack’s Key, making the most of the crisp winter weather to explore our local environment. During the walk, the children carefully observed their surroundings and learned more about our whole-school sustainability project and the positive impact it aims to have on our community. The children took part in bird watching, using a tally system to record the number and types of birds they spotted. Among the species identified were wood pigeons, carrion crows, starlings, magpies and chaffinches. The children showed great patience and enthusiasm as they quietly observed and counted the wildlife around them. Once our micro forest is fully established, we plan to repeat this survey and compare the results. This will help us to see whether biodiversity has increased and whether our project has successfully created a richer habitat, providing food, shelter and safe nesting spaces for a wider variety of wildlife. Donations to WWF can be made here: https://socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-nzymxvnokwdn?currentTab=feed
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Year 6 - Maths
Year 6 continued to develop their understanding of decimals in Maths, building both confidence and accuracy in their calculations. Using LBQ (Learning by Questions), the children worked through a carefully sequenced range of fluency, reasoning and problem-solving questions designed to deepen their understanding.
Whole School- Safer Internet Day 2026-Centered on the responsible use of AI.
To mark Safer Internet Day 2026, Mrs Araujo led a special Worship centered on the responsible use of AI. The session started with the Heads and Deputy Heads signing the Trinity. The children then watched a short video and discussed how AI can assist us in our daily lives. Through a fun identification game, pupils practised spotting AI-generated images and learned that because AI can make mistakes, its results are not always true or accurate. This helped our children understand the importance of being cautious and informed digital citizens.
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NSPCC Times Tables Rock Star Challenge
Today, Key Stage 2 battled it out on Times Table Rock Stars as part of the NSPCC challenge. Throughout the day, children showed fantastic determination and focus as they competed, earning points and contributing towards St Barnabas’ whole-school score, as well as the overall North West total. Thanks to everyone for their great effort in dressing in numbers or as rock stars. A huge well done to all pupils in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 for your amazing effort, resilience and competitive spirit. You should be incredibly proud of your contribution and the enthusiasm you showed throughout the event! Thanks to everyone who has donated to NSPCC. Donations can be made on parent pay!
Year 6 Junior Jam - Computing
In Computing, year 6 have been working in pairs or small groups to write a CV for a superhero that they have created. They used the Keynotes app to design slides of information, which had to include: a title, a description of their hero and their CV, their superhero emblem and some animation. Next week, the children will present their work to the rest of the class.
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Year 6 - National Storytelling Week
As part of National Storytelling Week, Year 6 took part in a fun-filled online workshop that explored a love of reading through rap and rhythm. Schools from across the UK came together to create a powerful rap celebrating the superpowers we share: friendship, creativity and imagination. The workshop encouraged collaboration, confidence and a shared passion for stories and language.
Year 6 - National Storytelling Week
As part of National Storytelling Week, Year 6 were delighted to welcome a parent, Chelsea, into the classroom to share and read some of the books she enjoyed when she was a child. The children were completely captivated, particularly by the X-Men and The Ghost Trail stories, which sparked lots of interest and discussion. A huge thank you to Chelsea for giving up her time to share her love of reading—Year 6 thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Year 6 - Gymnastics
This week, the children continued their gymnastics unit, focusing on partner balancing. They challenged themselves by exploring more complex and demanding routines, building on previously learned skills. The children worked collaboratively to plan, practise and refine their balances, developing strength, flexibility, control and trust in one another. They were encouraged to evaluate their performances, make improvements and show resilience when attempting more advanced movements, resulting in increased confidence and teamwork throughout the session.
Key Stage 2 - Timestable Rockstar Battle
Huge congratulations to all of our Key Stage 2 children who competed in this month’s Times Tables Rock Stars Battle. We were incredibly impressed with the effort and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved. Our individual award winners are: • Year 3 – Charlie Duckworth • Year 4 – Bobby-Ray Catterall • Year 5 – Carter Corran • Year 6 – Charlie Shorrock A special well done also goes to Year 6, our overall winning class for this battle. As a reminder, in order to raise money for the NSPCC, we will be launching the KS2 Times Tables Rock Stars NSPCC Battle in school on Friday 6th February. Throughout the day, children will collectively build up their scores, which will contribute to a whole-school total. To celebrate Number Day, all children — including Reception and Key Stage 1 — are invited to come to school wearing their own clothes that depict a number (for example: numbers on clothing, badges, or Times Tables Rock Stars-themed outfits). Voluntary donations will be available via ParentPay to support this fantastic cause.