Image of Reception - Maths - Number Bonds to 5
8 Apr

Reception - Maths - Number Bonds to 5

Today, the Reception children explored number bonds to 5 using Numicon shapes. The children were engaged and curious as they selected different Numicon pieces to fit onto their number bond mats. They experimented with combinations, discovering pairs of numbers that add together to make 5. One child confidently placed a 3-piece and a 2-piece together and said, “3 and 2 make 5!” Another child tested several combinations, swapping pieces and checking their total by counting the holes. The children worked both independently and collaboratively, sharing their ideas and helping each other find matching pairs. This activity supported their understanding of part-whole relationships and encouraged mathematical thinking through hands-on learning. It also helped develop their fine motor skills and number recognition.

Image of Nursery - R.E - Exploring Colours In Relation To Holi Celebrations
7 Apr

Nursery - R.E - Exploring Colours In Relation To Holi Celebrations

What a colourful and exciting time we've had today, just like the wonderful Holi festival that Hindu people celebrate! We popped water balloons and made so many bright colours appear. The children were fantastic at naming all the colours – red, blue, yellow, green, purple and orange! And it was amazing to watch how the colours mixed together to make new ones. Just like Holi is a celebration of joy and colour, we've filled our classroom with happiness and beautiful colours today. Well done, everyone, for being such brilliant colour explorers!

Image of Easyfundraising
7 Apr

Easyfundraising

We’ve registered Darwen St James CE Primary Academy with #easyfundraising, which means over 8,000 retailers will now donate to us for FREE every time you use #easyfundraising to shop with them. These donations will help SO MUCH, so please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE and doesn’t take long. https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/support-a-good-cause/step-1/?char=379393&invite=6po80d&referral-campaign=c2s&utm_campaign=web-referral

Image of Reception - Courageous Advocacy - Litter
7 Apr

Reception - Courageous Advocacy - Litter

This afternoon, the children continued to build on their prior learning from our last courageous advocacy session, where they identified littering as a key issue in our community. Demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and care for their environment, the children engaged in a variety of meaningful activities. They created eye-catching posters encouraging people to dispose of their litter properly, showcasing their creativity and commitment to spreading awareness. The children also took part in a litter sorting activity, which sparked thoughtful conversations about recycling and the impact of waste on our planet. It was heartening to see the depth of understanding the children displayed and the genuine compassion they showed for their environment. Their enthusiasm and sense of purpose were evident throughout the afternoon, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts to be active, informed advocates for change in their community.

Image of Pre-School- Literacy - Gross Motor Skills
7 Apr

Pre-School- Literacy - Gross Motor Skills

In Literacy, the children designed their own baby chicks using a variety of paint colours and shaped marks. They practised large, sweeping movements—stretching their arms and using Write Dance techniques—to help build upper body strength. Linking to their previous learning on the life cycle of a chick, the children carefully considered the features their chick would need, such as the shape of its body, beak, and webbed feet.

Image of Nursery - P.E - Sleeping Bunnies!
3 Apr

Nursery - P.E - Sleeping Bunnies!

What a fantastic time we had during P.E today! Our little bunnies were amazing at 'Sleeping Bunnies,' listening carefully and moving their bodies with so much energy! They stretched, hopped, crawled and wiggled their way through a fun-filled P.E. session. They exhibited some brilliant listening skills and were able to follow instructions throughout the song. The children enjoyed practicing their gross body movements and experimenting with different ways to move. The children also joined in with the sleeping bunnies song, singing and dancing with excitement.

Image of Year 6 Bike Ability
3 Apr

Year 6 Bike Ability

Year 6 children have been on a full day Bikeability level 2 course. All the children have grown in confidence  with each pedal and learnt how to read the road ahead. The children have learnt lots of skill to complete their level 2 ; Start and stop  Pass stationary vehicles  Understanding the road  Negotiating the road  Share the road with vehicles  Turning left or right in to a minor road or a major  road  All the children did amazingly well and passed their level 2 ! Congratulations!

Image of Exploring Repeating Patterns in Reception.
3 Apr

Exploring Repeating Patterns in Reception.

Our Reception children have been busy learning about repeating patterns in maths! Using colorful cubes, they explored different sequences and practiced identifying and continuing patterns. This hands-on activity not only develops mathematical thinking but also strengthens problem-solving skills and creativity. It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm and engagement as they work together and learn through play. Keep up the great work, little mathematicians!

Image of Creative Easter Fun in Reception!
3 Apr

Creative Easter Fun in Reception!

Our little artists have been busy crafting their own Easter chicks! Using bright colors, fluffy materials, and lots of creativity, they carefully designed their adorable chicks. This activity not only gets us into the Easter spirit but also helps develop fine motor skills and artistic expression. Well done, everyone—your chicks look amazing!

Image of Pre-School-Literacy- Jolly Postman Letters
3 Apr

Pre-School-Literacy- Jolly Postman Letters

The children have been enjoying the story of the Jolly Postman and have used their imagination to write to a character in the book. The children used their mark making skills from write dance to create features on their letter and then thought about what they wanted to ask. We invited characters to come to a party, have tea at our nursery and go to the park.

Image of Year 5 Peer Mediation Training
3 Apr

Year 5 Peer Mediation Training

Developing empathy and problem-solving skills! Year 5 enjoyed participating in peer mediation training, fostering a positive and supportive classroom environment and helping us with conflict resolution.

Image of Year 5 Science - Making Sundials to Understand Time
3 Apr

Year 5 Science - Making Sundials to Understand Time

Exploring the science of time! Year 5 students create and calibrate sundials to deepen their understanding of the passing of time and how this relates to the rotation of the Earth.