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

Image of Year 1 -PE - Exploring Balance and Landing Safely
9 Sep

Year 1 -PE - Exploring Balance and Landing Safely

Year 1 have had a great PE lesson today. We have been practicing balancing, jumping and landing safely. We added some extra challenge by doing this from a height. The children really embraced the challenge and demonstrated some great skills.

Image of Year 1 - Outdoor Learning - Identifying Parts of Trees
7 Sep

Year 1 - Outdoor Learning - Identifying Parts of Trees

Year 1 had a fantastic time taking our learning outdoors today! We explored the school grounds to discover the different parts of a tree—hunting for leaves, branches, the trunk, and even spotting some roots popping up out of the soil. We had a great chat about the important job each part does to keep the tree happy and healthy. We also brought some maths into the fresh air! The children collected sticks and leaves, then worked hard to sort them into categories by colour and size. There’s nothing quite like hands-on learning outside! What’s your favourite thing to spot on a nature walk? Let us know below!

Image of Changes to Free School Meals
5 Jul

Changes to Free School Meals

REMINDER 🚨 IMPORTANT: Free School Meals Rules are Changing! 🚨Please read this update carefully, as all current Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility under the old rules will end on August 31st. To ensure your child continues to receive free school meals at the start of the new term in September, everyone needs to reapply. Old protections are ending, which means if you do not reapply and get verified, your child’s free meals will stop. 🌟 The Big Change: Expanded Eligibility for Universal Credit There is great news for many families. Starting this September, the government has expanded eligibility. The old earnings threshold is gone. * If you are in receipt of Universal Credit at any level (regardless of how much you earn), your child is now entitled to free school meals. This change means hundreds of thousands of additional children who missed out before will now qualify. 💻 The Application Portal is LIVE NOW! Do not wait until September. The portal is open right now, and applying early ensures everything is set up before the first day of school. Who needs to apply? Every family wanting free school meals from September—including those currently receiving them and those who are newly eligible under Universal Credit. How to apply: https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-and-pupil-support/free-school-meals Take action today so your child doesn't miss out on a single meal! If you have any questions or need help with the online form, please contact the school office.

Image of Get ready to Read to the Beat at Blackburn with Darwen Libraries this summer.
2 Jul

Get ready to Read to the Beat at Blackburn with Darwen Libraries this summer.

Get ready to Read to the Beat at Blackburn with Darwen Libraries this summer. Blackburn with Darwen Libraries annual Summer Reading Challenge for children age 4 – 12 years gets underway from 1st July, with children encouraged to read and rate six library books before 30th September, collecting stickers and prizes along the way. Audio books, eBooks and eAudio (on our BorrowBox app) can all count towards the final total, and this year children can mix and match with a range of reading related challenges too. Enrolment is completely FREE of charge, so don’t delay! Visit your nearest Blackburn with Darwen Library from 1st July onwards and get your Read to the Beat challenge started. Read to the Beat is a partnership between local libraries, The Reading Agency and Universal Music Group.