Year 5 PE - OAA: Teamwork Challenges!
Mission Impossible? Not for Year 5! Our PE lessons have been all about teamwork this term! We’ve been putting our communication skills under the microscope with some tricky "Cooperation Challenges." From describing complex equipment layouts to partners who couldn't see them, to the nerve-wracking "Skipping Rope Bridge" football roll, the children have had to be assertive and patient. These tasks were incredibly tough, but the buzz of excitement when that football finally reached the end was amazing! We are so proud of the grit and collaborative spirit on display. Who knew PE could be such a brain-teaser?
Year 2 Science: Testing Stretchiness
Our Year 2 scientists put materials to the ultimate test! Working in expert teams, we investigated which everyday items have the best elasticity. From paper and string to plastic and rubber, the children used their "fair testing" skills to see which would snap and which would stretch! Brilliant observations and even better teamwork, Year 2!
Year 2 English: Creating Adjectives
Year 2 took their English lesson outside today to transform our playground with comparative and superlative adjectives! Using colourful chalk, the children turned the tarmac into a giant word map. They described how our playground looks now and how they want it to look in the future using the -er and -est suffixes. It was a brilliant way to see our learning in action while reimagining our school space!
Year 6: English - Crime and Detective Novels
This week in English, Year 6 have been putting their plans into action and have started writing their own detective story. The creativity, character development and plot twists are amazing to read!
Year 5 PSHE - Rights and Respect at Home, at School and in the Local Community
Rights and Respect: Empowering the Citizens of Tomorrow In PSHE this week, Year 5 have been exploring the fundamental concepts of rights and respect. We began by establishing a clear system of definitions: understanding that 'rights' are the entitlements every person should be afforded, while 'respect' is the active practice of acknowledging the needs and wishes of others. The children applied these definitions to their own lives, categorising their unique rights and responsibilities within three key areas: at home, in school, and throughout the wider local community. Working collaboratively in pairs, the pupils engaged in deep discussion before presenting their findings to the class with confidence. It was a marvellous opportunity for our young citizens to reflect on how showing respect for the environment and for each other creates a more harmonious society.
Year 6: Geography - Solar Farm Debate
This week in Geography, Year 6 have put together their previous learning and had a debate around the issue of solar farms. We used voice 21 talk tactics to instigate, build and challenge each other during the debate. Some really interesting points were raised!
Year 1 - PSHE - What Will Happen to our Community if We Don't Look After It?
We had a fantastic PSHE session in Year 1 this week! We were delighted to welcome Fatima from Blackburn with Darwen Council, who came in to talk to the children about the importance of caring for our local community. The children had some very thoughtful discussions about what might happen to our parks and streets if we didn't look after them. To help put their learning into practice, they became recycling experts! What we got up to: Big Discussions: Thinking about the impact of litter on our environment. Material Sorting: Learning how to identify different materials like paper, plastic, and metal. Recycling Challenge: Sorting through rubbish to see what can be reused or recycled instead of thrown away. The children had a brilliant session and have come away with lots of new ideas on how to keep Darwen clean and tidy. A huge thank you to Fatima for such an engaging and inspiring visit! #DarwenStJames #Year1 #PSHE #CaringForOurCommunity #Recycle #KeepDarwenTidy #NurturingAmbition
Year 4 R.E. - Forgiveness
Year 4 have been learning about the Easter Story during this unit of work, and have explored values such as trust, betrayal and forgiveness. We discussed what forgiveness meant to us individually and how it is represented in stories from the Bible. Year 4 created their own artwork, using watercolours, to express how they portray forgiveness in their artwork.
Year 4 History - King Alfred
Year 4 have been looking at sources about King Alfred, who we learned, was referred to as 'the Great'. We had to study where each source had come from, how reliable it was, and rate it on a scale of potential bias. Year 4 had some fantastic discussions within their groups, explaining their thoughts to others. We shared all of our sources and ideas to the rest of the class, to collate our information.
Year 3 - Science - Investigating Magnets
Stuck on Science! Our Year 3 scientists have had a truly "attractive" week! As part of our new science unit, we’ve been diving into the world of magnets and forces. The classroom was buzzing as students tested different materials to see what’s magnetic and what’s not. From paperclips to pennies, we’ve been predicting, testing, and recording our findings like pros.
Year 3 - P.E. - Team Games
Duck, Dip, Dive, and Dodge! Our Year 3 team brought the energy to the hall today for an epic session of Dodgeball! While we stayed indoors, the competitive spirit was through the roof as the students put their teamwork and reflexes to the ultimate test. This wasn't just about throwing balls—it was a masterclass in cooperation and quick thinking. We focused on how to defend our teammates, when to take a strategic risk, and the importance of playing fair under pressure.
Reception- Physical Development- Forest Friday
Over the past few weeks, our Reception children have really thrown themselves into Forest Friday and made the most of being outdoors. They’ve loved exploring the school and nursery grounds, turning into little builders as they created bug houses and heading off on an imaginative “Bear Hunt” through the bushes. Alongside all the fun, these sessions have also supported their physical development. Moving across uneven ground and using a range of outdoor equipment has helped to build both their gross and fine motor skills. Whether they were carrying logs to build a habitat or carefully using small tools, it’s been lovely to see their confidence and coordination grow in the fresh air.
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