Year 3 PSHE - Growing And Changing -Secret Or Surprise?
In PSHE, our Year 3 students have been exploring the concepts of secrets and surprises, learning to tell the difference between the two. We've discussed how both surprises and secrets can make us feel. Crucially, they've learned to identify the difference between a safe secret and an unsafe secret, and, most importantly, who they can talk to if a secret ever makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
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Year2/3 Transition Day
Today, our Year 2 students had a fantastic first morning transitioning to their new Year 3 class! They openly shared their ambitions and fears for the year ahead. To visualize their hopes, they designed aeroplanes representing their future ambitions. They also decorated crosses for the R.E. display board, adding their creative touch to the classroom.
Year 3 PSHE - Growing And Changing -Secret Or Surprise?
In PSHE, our Year 3 students have been exploring the concepts of secrets and surprises, learning to tell the difference between the two. We've discussed how both surprises and secrets can make us feel. Crucially, they've learned to identify the difference between a safe secret and an unsafe secret, and, most importantly, who they can talk to if a secret ever makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Online Safety - Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo’s long-awaited Switch 2 has finally arrived, blending fresh hardware with fan-favourite franchises. From Mario to Pikachu, the familiar mascots are back – but so too are evolving online features, in-game purchases, and potential exposure to mature content. As ever, it’s essential that parents and educators understand the risks to young players. Among these are GameChat voice communication, camera-based gaming, and potential access to mature-rated titles. This guide outlines what to watch out for and how to keep children safe, engaged and having fun.
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Online Safety - Youtube Kids
YouTube Kids promises a safe, child-centric experience with colourful visuals, age-filtered content, and robust parental controls. Designed to appeal to younger viewers, the app has grown rapidly, being used by tens of millions of children worldwide. But is it as safe as it seems? Despite YouTube Kids’ safeguards, reports have highlighted worrying issues, such as inappropriate content slipping through filters, subtle advertising, and the use of manipulative design to keep children engaged. Our guide explores how to navigate these pitfalls, offering practical advice for making sure children get the most from the platform – without the risks.
Year 3 DT - Structures. Designing Our Own Castle.
Year 3 have continued their art lesson on castles by designing their own. They've been busy discussing the essential features a castle must have and exploring the different materials they would use to build them.
Forest School Training
Forest School learning is an inspirational and specialised approach to outdoor education that focuses on developing confidence, self-esteem, and holistic growth in learners through hands-on experiences in natural environments. This week our teachers have been on a Forest School adventure. Learning all the different skills to become Forest School leaders. Bringing back to school the philosophical understanding, practical skills, and confidence to unlock the vast educational potential of the outdoors, ultimately creating richer, more engaging, and more beneficial learning experiences for our pupils.
Year 3 French - 'Les Objets De La Classe' - Classroom Objects
Year 3 students have been diving into French by exploring the objects around their classroom! They've learned the French names for several familiar items: Ruler: une règle Pencil: un crayon Pen: un stylo Rucksack (backpack): un sac A key part of their learning has been understanding that in French, all nouns have a gender. This means they are either masculine or feminine. They've learned to recognise this by looking at the word that comes before the noun: "Un" is used for masculine words (like un crayon and un stylo). "Une" is used for feminine words (like une règle). This is a fantastic start to their French language journey, helping them build a foundation for understanding more about French grammar!
Year 3 English - Beginning To Write Speech In The Form Of A Playscript
Year 3 students have started writing playscripts, focusing on dialogue. They took the story of "Dum Spiro" and created lines for the characters of Caesar, a Roman soldier, and a Bear.
School Games Gold Award Winners!
We’re proud to announce that Darwen St James has been awarded the GOLD School Games Mark! This brilliant achievement is a reflection of the perseverance, courage, and hope shown by our pupils—and the dedication of our PE and Extra-Curricular Sports Team, who work tirelessly to promote sport and physical activity across our school. This year we have participated in netball, football, cross country and cricket to name a few! The School Games Mark is a national award that celebrates a school’s commitment to PE, school sport, and competition, both within and beyond the school gates. It also supports schools in reviewing and strengthening their provision. A huge thank you and well done to Mrs Cookson and all the staff for making sport such an exciting and important part of life at Darwen St James. We’re incredibly proud of our pupils for stepping up to every challenge with determination and team spirit. Keep going, keep growing! ???? #TeamDSJ #DSJFamily
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Year 3 D.T. - To Recognise How Multiple Shapes Are Combined To Form A Strong And Stable Structure.
Year 3 DT students have been exploring the fascinating world of castles! Their recent lesson covered a range of topics, including: Purpose of Castles: Discussions revolved around why castles were built, understanding their defensive and strategic roles. Inhabitants of Castles: Students learned about the people who lived within castle walls, from lords and ladies to soldiers and servants. Castle Locations: The class explored where castles can be found today, both locally and further afield, understanding their historical significance. Castles in Stories: They delved into various stories and fairy tales that feature castles, connecting their learning to literature and imagination. To consolidate their understanding, the students then put their knowledge into practice by drawing their own castles. They successfully identified and labelled key features such as: Towers: Tall structures for defense and observation. Turrets: Small, ornamental towers often found at corners or along walls. Battlements: The protective, notched parapets along the top of castle walls. Gatehouse: The fortified entrance to the castle. Drawbridge: A movable bridge that could be raised or lowered to control access. Curtain Walls: The main defensive walls enclosing the castle courtyard.
Year 3 English - Playscripts
Year 3 has been exploring playscripts. They've learned about the structure and layout of playscripts and even performed "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" for the class.
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