Image of Y1 and Y2 PSHE Road Safety
19 Oct

Y1 and Y2 PSHE Road Safety

This week, Year 1 and Year 2 had a special visit from Michaela from Blackburn with Darwen Council to deliver an engaging Road Safety session as part of our PSHE curriculum. The children learnt all about the essential steps to stay safe when out and about: Think, Stop, Look, and Listen before stepping off the pavement Exploring different types of pedestrian crossings Crossing safely and waiting patiently for the green man To top it all off, the pupils have been set an exciting challenge: a design a high-vis vest competition with fantastic prizes up for grabs! We can't wait to see all the bright and creative designs. A huge thank you to Michaela for visiting us and helping our children stay safe.

Image of Year 1 Questful RE: How is the place where Jesus grew up different from how we live now?
19 Oct

Year 1 Questful RE: How is the place where Jesus grew up different from how we live now?

This week, our Year 1 pupils have been busy exploring life in Jesus' time through hands-on learning in Religious Education.  The children took part in a range of activities to help them answer key questions about daily life in the past: Tasting and naming traditional foods that Jesus would have eaten, including matzos, figs, grapes, and olives  Learning about daily routines, including where Mary and Jesus collected their water  Exploring Jewish celebrations and special days that Jesus attended, such as Passover and Shabbat  It was a wonderful session where the pupils loved tasting new foods and comparing life long ago to how we live today!

Image of Year 1- Science-Using our senses
14 Oct

Year 1- Science-Using our senses

Year 1 have been using our sense of sight. We completed an activity course blindfolded. It was hard to move without being able to see.

Image of Year 1 English Gathering Ideas for Writing
12 Oct

Year 1 English Gathering Ideas for Writing

Ready, Steady, Write! Our Year 1 children have been stepping into the shoes of their favourite characters during their English lesson this week.  To help gather ideas for writing, the class got active and acted out different scenes as Little Bear, Bramwell Brown, Duck, and Rabbit from Old Bear. Taking on the roles of these iconic characters helped bring the story to life and got everyone’s creative ideas flowing before picking up their pencils.  Fantastic imagination and enthusiasm on display from our Year 1 writers! #Year1 #English #ReadySteadyWrite #OldBear #PrimaryEducation #LearningThroughRolePlay #GatheringIdeas

Image of Year 1 RE Comparing Life in Jesus’ Time to Today
12 Oct

Year 1 RE Comparing Life in Jesus’ Time to Today

Our Year 1 children have been travelling back in time during their Questful RE lesson as they explored how homes, clothes, and jobs in Jesus' time compare with our lives today.  The class started with a dress-up activity, dressing in tunics and head coverings to understand why loose, simple clothing was worn back then. After listening to the story of 'The Man Lowered Through the Roof' from The Lion Storyteller Bible, the children discussed the differences between modern pitched roofs and ancient flat mud roofs.  To bring their learning to life, the children got hands-on: building 3D flat-roofed houses in Nazareth using playdough. Wonderful curiosity and active learning from Year 1!

Image of Year 1 - Maths - Part Whole Model
6 Oct

Year 1 - Maths - Part Whole Model

Year 1 have been exploring part whole models this week. The children have been counting the number of objects to find the whole and separating them into groups to find the different parts.

Image of Governor Vacancies
6 Oct

Governor Vacancies

Could you help shape the future of Darwen St James?  Darwen St James Church of England Primary Academy is looking for enthusiastic, dedicated individuals to join the team as Parent Governors and Foundation Governors.  You do not need to be an education expert or have special qualifications. Your everyday experience, community insight, and care for the children are what matter most.  What does a Governor do? Set direction: Help shape priorities and support the academy vision.  Support and challenge: Ask constructive questions and act as a critical friend.  Keep children at the heart: Oversee safeguarding, education, wellbeing, and resources.  Bring a wider perspective: Use your skills, experience, and community insight to help the school thrive.  Which role suits you? Parent Governor: Open to current parents and carers, giving families a direct voice in the school.  Foundation Governor: Focuses on supporting and championing the school's Christian vision and ethos.  Is it for you? If you care about the success and wellbeing of children, can listen and work as part of a team, and can commit a little time to attend meetings, complete training, and visit the school, we would love to hear from you.  How to get involved Interested? Start with an informal conversation to learn more without any obligation.  Telephone: 01254 703260  Email: [email protected]  Address: St James Crescent, Darwen, Lancashire, BB3 0EY  You can also scan the QR code on the poster for further governance information. Get in touch today to help make a positive difference.

Image of Year 1 - RE - Where Did Jesus Grow Up?
5 Oct

Year 1 - RE - Where Did Jesus Grow Up?

In RE this week the children have been learning about where Jesus grew up. The children looked at photos of Nazareth today and compared them to historical art work. The children were introduced to Jesus’ heritage, learning that Jesus was Jewish. He went to school at the local synagogue where he studied Old Testament scriptures recorded on scrolls. The children created their own scrolls, drawing and writing about Jesus. They stained them using teabags so they looked authentic.

Image of Year 1 - Visit to Darwen Library
1 Oct

Year 1 - Visit to Darwen Library

Year one had a fantastic visit to Darwen Library this week. The children walked there and back without a fuss. They loved learning all about the library and exploring the different books and activities on offer. There was lots of fun and laughs, especially with the story Diddle, Diddle Dum!

1 Oct

Year 1 - FLuency Bee - Composition of 5.

Our Y1 children have really been enjoying our Fluency Bee lessons. They used the counters to explore different compositions of 5.

Image of Year 1 PSHE Feelings and Trusted Adults
23 Sep

Year 1 PSHE Feelings and Trusted Adults

🌟 Our Year 1 pupils have had a wonderful PSHE session using our SCARF resources this week! 🧣✨  The children spent time discussing big emotions, exploring how to express their feelings, and identifying their trusted adults—the people they can always turn to at school and at home when they need support or a chat. They created some fantastic work and showed great maturity during our circle-time discussions.  Well done, Year 1! 👏❤️ #Year1 #PSHE #SCARFLearning #EmotionalWellbeing #TrustedAdults #PrimaryEducation

Image of Year 1 PE - Developing Talking, Listening and Sharing Skills
23 Sep

Year 1 PE - Developing Talking, Listening and Sharing Skills

Year 1 have been working hard in PE using our Get Set 4 PE curriculum.  This week, the children focused on team-building activities designed to develop their talking, listening, and sharing skills. From guiding partners through challenges to working together in small groups, they showed fantastic communication and teamwork throughout the hall.  Brilliant effort from everyone involved. #Year1 #GetSet4PE #Teamwork #PhysicalEducation #CommunicationSkills #PrimaryPE