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Reception- Science-Bug Hunt and More
In the vibrant world of our Reception classroom, young scientists transform into intrepid explorers as they venture outdoors equipped with magnifying glasses to uncover the secrets of the undergrowth. This hands-on "bug hunt" allowed the children to develop keen observation skills, peering through lenses to identify the intricate patterns on a beetle’s wing or the rhythmic movement of a centipede. By investigating these tiny creatures in their natural environments, students begin to understand biological habits and physical features firsthand. This curiosity seamlessly transitioned back into the classroom, where the tactile learning continued. Children consolidate their findings by sculpting their own imaginative insects and engineering detailed micro-habitats within the sand tray, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and creative expression.
Reception- Music- Putting On A Performance
Throughout the term, our Reception children have embarked on a rhythmic journey, steadily building a foundational understanding of musical theory through play and exploration. By experimenting with a variety of percussion instruments and vocal exercises, they have mastered the ability to distinguish between high and low tones, maintain a steady consistent beat, and speed. This musical progression culminated in a vibrant "Showcase Day," where the children took the lead in their learning. Each child selected a song that resonated with them, demonstrating remarkable independence and self-expression. Performing in front of their peers, the children displayed a surge in confidence, accurately applying their knowledge of tempo and rhythm to their chosen pieces. It was a proud moment of shared celebration, highlighting not just their new technical skills, but their bravery in taking center stage.
Nursery - Maths - I Spy...
This week, the children have been developing their early mathematical skills by learning how to categorise and sort by colour. To explore this concept, the children played a game of "I Spy" using a variety of resources set out on the malleable tray. Each child selected a coloured bowl and was challenged to find items that matched that specific colour to fill their bowl. This task encouraged the children to focus on the properties of objects and use their visual discrimination skills to ignore distractions and find matching items. Throughout the activity, the children were encouraged to use colour language to describe their findings. This hands-on approach successfully introduced the concept of sorting into sets and helped the children build confidence in identifying and naming different colours within their environment.
Year 6: History - The Maya
This week in history, year 6 have been researching many different Maya Gods and Goddesses. We learnt about the cultural significance of the Gods to the Maya, and also thought about the Maya leaders' relationship with the afterlife.
Year 6: Communion
Year 6 attended Communion at St James over Darwen Church this week, sharing thought-provoking prayers and confidently reading Bible passages to the church community. A lovely and meaningful experience.
Pre-School-Maths-Subitising
This week in Maths, we have been subitising up to 7. The children played a number of different games where they used their quick-thinking maths skills to subitise numbers and groups of objects from 1 to 7. The children loved using their quick-thinking skills and tested each other by holding up different numbers of fingers and quickly hiding them, allowing other children to subitise and give an answer.
Pre-School-Computing-Where Does Handa live?
In Computing in Preschool, we have been using Google Maps and Google Images to find out where Handa lives. The children loved using Google Maps to discover that Handa lives in Africa and to see where Africa is in the world. We used Google Images to look at villages in Africa, and the children were really engaged. They found it interesting to see how different our homes are compared to those of people living in huts in small villages in Africa.
Year 5&6 Athletics
Who knew so much energy could fit into one sports hall? On Tuesday 27th January, our Year 5 and 6 athletes headed to Darwen Vale High School for a thrilling indoor athletics competition that tested their speed, strength, and stamina. From the explosive power of the triple jump and javelin throw to the frantic pace of the relays, obstacle courses, and speed bounce, our pupils threw themselves into every event with incredible determination. While the physical performances were impressive, we are most proud of the way they represented our school; their sportsmanship and "give-it-your-all" attitude were truly inspiring. Well done to all our competitors for showing such fantastic grit and teamwork! ????✨ #SchoolSports #IndoorAthletics #PrimaryPE #DarwenStJames #TeamWork #ProudSchool #YoungAthletes #SchoolGames #ActiveKids #GivingOurAll #DarwenVale #LancashireSport #Year5and6
Year 6: PE - Hockey
This half term Year 6 have been learning the rules of hockey. They have been thinking about tactics in an invasion game, and improving their communication and team work skills.
Nursery - Music - What Instrument Did I play?
This week, the children participated in a high-focus auditory discrimination activity designed to sharpen their listening skills and musical awareness. The children were tasked with identifying instruments based on sound alone. While hidden behind a screen, one instrument was played and the children had to listen very carefully. From a varied group of instruments laid out before them, they then had to select which one they believed was being played. Once they made their choice, the children were encouraged to mimic the sound they heard by playing the instrument themselves. This was a crucial step, as it allowed for instant confirmation of their choice or a self-corrected change of mind if the sounds did not match. This activity successfully promoted critical thinking, active listening, and early performance skills as the children explored the unique sounds each instrument could produce.
Year 5 and 6 PCSO Visit
Building a Brighter Community: A Visit from our Local PCSO. Last Friday afternoon, Year 5 and 6 had the privilege of welcoming our local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) to the classroom for an important and thought-provoking session. Understanding Choices and Consequences The workshop focused on the concept of honesty and the impact of stealing. We explored different scenarios, including: The hurt caused by taking something from a friend at school. The serious legal and community consequences of shoplifting. The children truly shone during the session! They engaged deeply with the topic, asking insightful questions and demonstrating a mature understanding of how our individual choices ripple out to affect our friends, families, and the wider community in Darwen. Our visitor was particularly impressed by how clearly the pupils could explain the importance of integrity and respect. Reflection at Home It was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to build a positive relationship with our local police force and to reflect on their own values. A question for reflection tonight: "Why do you think being honest is the most important foundation for a strong friendship?"
Year 5 Art - Learning to Use Acrylic Paints
Fast-Paced Fine Art: Year 5 Master Acrylics! There was a real "brush" of excitement in the Year 5 classroom this week as we swapped our usual paints for acrylics! For many of our young artists, this was their first time working with this professional medium, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. A Race Against the Clock! The children spent the lesson experimenting with blending and layering to create atmospheric backgrounds for our upcoming art project. However, they quickly discovered the most important rule of acrylic painting: work fast! Unlike watercolors, acrylic paint dries incredibly quickly. Our pupils had to be decisive with their strokes and expert with their mixing to get their colors just right before the paint set. They showed fantastic resilience and "quick-thinking" creativity! The Science of Color We focused on: Color Mixing: Creating unique tints and shades. Texture: Learning how the thick, plastic-like nature of acrylics can be layered for effect. Medium Control: Managing how much water to add (or not add!) to change the opacity. These stunning, textured backgrounds are now drying and ready to become the foundation for our final masterpieces. Watch this space to see how they evolve! Join the Conversation! If you were creating a masterpiece today, which two colours would you mix together to describe your mood? Let us know in the comments below!
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