Key Stage 2 Christmas Carol Concert
Key Stage 2 were fantastic this morning in church for our annual Christmas Carol Concert. Everyone remembered their lines and said them so clearly, and the carols were sung beautifully by all. Well done KS2! Happy Christmas!
Reception - Worship - Ideas For A School Prayer Space
Today, Reception Class brainstormed ideas for a new Prayer Space that will be in the entrance of the School. First of all we thought about all the things that the children like about the worship area in our classroom and then considered what else would be good, such as cushions and sand!
Year 6: Communion
This week Year 6 had the chance to visit our local church to attend communion. Some of the class were able to share their prayers with the congregation, which related to the theme of hope and God's light shining on us.
Year 1 - Nativity Rehearsal
Year 1 have been working hard practising their parts in our production of Lights, Camel, Action! On Tuesday we had our first dress rehearsal in front of the whole school! I'm sure you'll agree they all look fabulous in their costumes.
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Year 3 R.E. - Asking Important Questions About Religion and Beliefs
We looked at the image of the Vicar who had just been ordained by the Bishop. We discussed what it means to be ordained and the role that the Vicar has within the Church community. We then compared this with the role of a Rabbi in Judaism and the Imam in Islam.
Year 5 Communion and Lunch at Church
Year 5 enjoyed joining Rev Kev and the rest of the congregation at Church on Tuesday for Holy Communion. We wrote prayers for the persecuted people in the world and spoke them in church, as well as reading the Beatitudes perfectly. Everyone had a lovely morning, and Year 5 learnt more about how a Holy Communion works. We had our lunch at church, before returning to school.
Year 4 - Trip to Blackburn Cathedral.
Year 4 attended the moon exhibition at Blackburn Cathedral. We met with other Cidari schools to work in groups answering God’s big questions. We had a Worship with Bishop Phillip who taught us about the creation and asked us some questions; What words would you use to describe the moon? What does the moon make you think? How does the moon make you feel? The children took part in a number of workshops including dance, cooking, planting and clay sculptures, all representing one of God’s big question. The children were so well behaved and were great ambassadors for Darwen St James,
Reception- Class Worship - David Prays & Sings to God
In Class Worship today, Reception Class read the story of David, the Shepherd. They explored the different feelings David felt and talked about the kind of music we thought he might have played.
Year 6 - Prefect Roles
Year 6 received their prefect badges in Worship this morning. It was a real celebration and we were so pleased that many parents could join us. Our Y6 children have many different roles including head boy and head girl, office prefects, nursery prefects and librarians. As our oldest pupils, the children have lots of responsibility and are role models to the rest of school. We know they will be fantastic and continue to aim high!
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Year 4 Holy Communion
On Tuesday this week, Year 4 joined Rev Kev and some of the local community in church for a communion service. We enjoyed singing the beautiful hymn chosen, and listened and thought reflectively about the words spoken in the service. We had written our own hymns and some of us read them out, while others read part of a Bible reading.
One Pot Wonders
Have you been to a one pot wonder session yet? Please see all information on the leaflet. Book your place ready for Monday 28th October!
Preschool-Worship-The Creation Story
In Worship with jack this week we have Looked at The Creation Story and discussed what we are Thankful for.
Year 1 International Day of Prayer
On International Women's Day Of Prayer, Year 1 talked about why we pray. We decided that we prayed to say thank you, to ask for something or to say sorry. The children said some prayers and then coloured in these beautiful crosses.
Preschool- R.E-Creation with Jack The Bear
In R.E this week Jack the bear has taught Preschool all about God's Creation story, We looked at each day and what God created on that day.
Reception RE: What is Prayer?
Reception class explored the "Chatterbox" with lots of items connected to prayer. They learnt that prayer is talking to God, a bit like using a phone or writing letters to our special friends. They discovered prayer beads, prayer books, pictures of Jesus and prayer mats that can help with praying. They also thought about how they would make themselves still and quiet to pray to God.
Year 2 Holy Communion
On Tuesday we went up to St James' Church to experience Holy Communion with the local congregation and Rev Kev.
Year 6 Leavers Service at Blackburn Cathedral
Year 6 joined lots of other schools from the diocese this morning for a service at Blackburn Cathedral. We met Chip Kendall, the singer and songwriter who runs a Christian charity called Soul Children, and sang his songs - Year 6 sang beautifully and did our school very proud! It was a fantastic morning celebrating our young people and their talents - they are going off into the world to make a positive difference to our communities! As Chip says: "Love where you Live"!
Year 6 Class Worship: Perseverance
Year 6 are using our Class Worship time today to learn about the parable of the widow who persevered. We thought about a time in our own lives when we had to persevere at something difficult and eventually succeeded. A lot of examples were from our visit to PGL! We then wrote about our perseverance experiences.
Worship with Rev Kev - Noah's Ark
In worship today we learned about the value of hope through the story of Noah's Ark.
Year 4 Holy Communion
This week Year 4 have been to church to celebrate Holy Communion. The class were an asset to the school showing respect and prayer. We had some great readers and prayer intentions.
Year 1 Courageous Advocacy - Marcus Rashford
Year 1 talked about being brave and how to be brave to 'stick up' for someone else. They learned about the famous footballer Marcus Rashford. Marcus was a courageous advocate for children who do not have enough to eat. He wrote to the Prime Minister on behalf of all the children in the country to ask if they could have free school meals.
Year 2 Courageous Advocacy
Year 2 took part in Courageous Advocacy Day and learned all about justice. Year 2 found out how Jonah helped the people of Nineveh to live fairly by God's rules Then how David showed courage when facing his fears. We then learned all about Rosa Parks.
Reception Class - A Visit from Rev Kev!
As part of our Courageous Advocacy Day, Rev Kev came in to visit the Reception to talk about the work he does in the community. He talked about the food bank and helping those around us. The children also enjoyed drawing pictures of Rev Kev doing his work!
Reception Class -David and Goliath - Exploring Courage
As part of our Courageous Advocacy Day, Reception talked about what it takes to be brave and courageous. We learnt that we do not have to be big in order to be brave. By acting out the story of David and Goliath, we learnt that when God is on our side we do not need to be afraid. A little person can make a big difference!
Reception Class - Jonah and the Whale
As part of our Courageous Advocacy Day, the children in Reception learnt about justice and speaking up for doing the right thing. They learnt this through acting out the story of Jonah and The Whale and they enjoyed creating whale pictures and sentences about how God wants them to be.
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Year 5 Researching Greta Thunberg
In Year 5 the children were researching Greta Thunberg for our Courageous Advocacy day. The children were amazed at the accomplishments she has made in changing people's mindset on climate change.
St James Rainbows and Brownies
St James Rainbows and Brownies have spaces available. They meet each week at St James Over Darwen Church. Rainbows is for girls aged 4 - 7 and Brownies is for girls aged 7 - 9. The children earn different badges, they bake, craft, raise money and have lots of fun! Please contact Lisa on 07895023147 for more information.
Reception Class - A Music Lesson at the Church!
Whilst visiting our local Church, we decided to have our music lesson there. We learnt that during services the congregation like to dance around the Church to a lively song when they give their money, so we also danced around the Church! Then the children enjoyed playing the African drums, shakers and tambourines to "King of me!"
Year 3 - Church Visit - Communion
Today, Year 3 went to church to take part in the communion service. They read aloud their own prayers and also a reading to the congregation. After the service they stayed to have their lunch.
Year 5 - Holy Communion
Year 5 enjoyed Holy Communion and then had dinner with Rev Kevin and the congregation at St James' parish.
Easter Competition Winners
A huge well done to the winners of this years Easter competition! Rev Kev and Miss Greenwood had the difficult decision of selecting 3 winners form each class. We had over 20 family entries too, which was great! Congratulations to those winners.
Year 3 and 4 Easter Performance - Roll Back the Stone
Today in Church Year 3 and 4 performed our annual Easter performance in Church today, Roll Back the Stone.The children told the story of Easter through acting and song, and they did a marvellous job.Thank you to everyone who came along and supported them this morning.
St James over Darwen Church - Easter Activities
There are lots of things happening at Church over Easter, check them out here! All are welcome to attend.
Year 6 - Holy Communion
Year 6 were lucky enough to attend Holy Communion this morning at Church. Behaviour was excellent, and Rev Kev called us a credit to the school! Well done Year 6. Aaliyah did the reading perfectly, even the name of the place Bethsaida!
Pupil Worship Conference
Two of our Year 6 pupils attended the Pupil Worship Conference today. They explored Easter story through taste looked at crosses across the world after lunch. Here you can see that we have made an Ethiopian cross. They all look brilliant!
Year 4 - Holy Communion
Year 4 enjoyed Holy Communion on Thursday. Behavior and respect was impeccable with excellent feedback from Rev Kevin and the congregation at St James' parish.
Minecraft Church
Minecraft Church communities are made up of people of all ages who love meeting up together to play Minecraft, exploring faith in Christ at the same time. There are a number of Minecraft Churches, but there are also resources for those looking to start a community of their own. Rev Kev runs a Minecraft Church at St James' over Darwen, and they recently had a team from the Church of England head office come and make a film about Minecraft Church! Very exciting! Check out the video below, you might recognise some familiar faces! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmui7LTsFX4
Y4 RE - Places of Worship Around the World
Today in R.E, we have been looking at different places of worship around the world. We have made a presentation showing the different ones we found.
Y2 Spirituality Day
For Spirituality Day, Year 2 learned about the Taizé cross. The Taizé cross is covered with a collage of different people for whom Christ died, and Jesus is often in the centre. The children designed their own cross before looking at the parable of The Great Feast. After learning about this parable, they thought about what kind of qualities they would like in people and what sort of menu they would draw up for their ideal party.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day poppies at Darwen St James'
Reception - Class Worship
During class worship we have been looking at the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi. We worked together in two teams to 'stick together' as Ruth and Naomi did. Our task was to carry a balloon around the classroom without using our hands. The children came up with some very good ideas on how to transport the balloon.
Nursery - Toddle Tots
This morning both pre school and two’s class walked up to church to attend the playgroup. We had lots of fun meeting new friends and playing with the different toys.
Y4 Cathedral and Mosque Trip
What an exciting first day back at school year 4 have had today, visiting two places of worship, Blackburn Cathedral and Jaame Masjid (Central Mosque). We have learnt so many interesting facts and have definitely been “wowed” by lots of things. Well done year 4, you have made us very proud today.
Toddle Tots is Back!
Toddle Tots is back! Every Thursday starting 3rd November at St James Church, Over Darwen. 9.30 - 11am.
Tributes to the Queen
Mrs Ashcroft-Gardner is in London today and has taken down all the tributes that the children have made this week for the Queen. The children's thoughtful messages, pictures and prayers now lay alongside thousands of others as a mark of respect and celebration of the Queens remarkable life. A huge thank you to Mrs Ashcroft-Gardner for taking them for us and to the children and staff for their hardwork and meaningful messages. Rest in Peace your Majesty and thank you for your service.
Reception Class Worship
Today in class worship some of the children have drawn pictures to remember the Queen. Mrs Ashcroft-Gardner is going to take them to Buckingham Palace on Saturday.
Minecraft Church
Fun, faith and a brew. For children aged 3 upwards - children must be accompanied by an adult.
St James over Darwen Church - Book of Commemoration
The loss of Queen Elizabeth profoundly saddens us although we are heartened by the news of our new King. St James’ over Darwen church will be open each morning this week Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 9.30am for anyone who wishes to come and pay their respects to the Queen, pray and write in the Commemoration book.
Y6 Church Visit - Eucharist Service
Year 6 had a great time in church this morning learning all about the Eucharist service with Rev Kev. We helped to set up the church, tried the unblessed wafers to see what they taste like, and then stayed for the service - Rev Kev even asked us to help out with a Bible reading! Well done Mark and Amy! And very well done to all the children, your behaviour was wonderful and so respectful, and I was very proud
Worship - Wednesday 18/5/22
We had our first Worship with Rev Kev today. He showed us the story of Jesus in the tomb through Minecraft. He taught us about how Christian’s have changed the world through their faith. We are looking forward to more of his teachings in Worship!
Wednesday Worship - Achieving our Goals.
Our Worship this morning was lead by Rev Rebecca. She showed us that it is easier to reach our goals if we have help. This help may come from God, our family, our teachers or our friends.
Welcome Back Worship.
It was a wonderful sight to see all of the children back together in the hall today for Worship.
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