Online Safety - Making Friends Online
As technology becomes increasingly embedded in young people’s lives, it’s common for them to form friendships entirely online. These connections can provide companionship and community — but they also bring potential dangers that parents and educators need to be aware of. From online grooming and privacy breaches to exposure to upsetting content, meeting people on the internet isn’t without risk. This guide explains the possible hazards of online friendships and gives parents and educators essential advice on helping children build safe, positive relationships online.
Online Safety - Search Engines
Search engines are a routine part of everyday life, giving instant access to billions of web pages; however, this also increases the risk of children encountering harmful, untrustworthy, or illegal content. We’ve created this free guide – also available in podcast format – offering parents and educators quickfire information about the risks of search engines and practical steps that can be taken to safeguard children online.
Thank You for Joining Our First Reading Café!
Thank You for Joining Our First Reading Café! A huge thank you to everyone who came along to our very first Reading Café—it was such a lovely event! The children really enjoyed sharing stories and spending time reading with you. There was a wonderful buzz around the room as books were opened, imaginations sparked, and conversations flowed. It was a joy to see such enthusiasm for reading! We’re hoping to make this a regular event, and it would be fantastic to welcome even more of you next time. Keep an eye out for our summer term date—we’d love to see you there!
Sports for Champions Visit – Alisha Evanston (Tumbling)
We had an inspiring visit from professional tumbler Alisha Evanston as part of our Sports for Champions event! Alisha wowed the children with her amazing tumbling skills and even invited some brave volunteers—including a few teachers—for a fun handstand competition. She shared her journey as an athlete, showing videos of her performances, answering thoughtful questions from the children, and proudly showing her medals. The session was full of energy and excitement, and the children left feeling motivated and inspired to follow their own dreams. A huge thank you to Alisha for such a memorable experience!
Year 2 – Exploring the Hindu Festival of Holi
Year 2 have been learning all about the Hindu festival of Holi, a celebration known for its vibrant colours, joy, and togetherness. To mark the occasion, the children took part in a colourful art activity, using chalks and pastels to create their own bright and joyful Holi-inspired artwork. They really enjoyed working outdoors in the sunshine, getting creative and experimenting with colour blending to reflect the spirit of the festival. It was a fun, hands-on way to explore another culture and understand how people around the world celebrate. Well done, Year 2—your artwork was as bright and beautiful as the festival itself!
Year 2 – Easter Competition Fun!
Year 2 have been getting creative this week as part of our Easter competition! Using a mix of materials including feathers, felt, card, and colourful pens, the children designed and made their own fabulous Easter egg characters. It was wonderful to see so much imagination and individuality in their creations—from funky chicks to beautifully decorated eggs! The classroom was full of focus, laughter, and a real sense of pride in their work. Well done, Year 2—you showed fantastic creativity and teamwork. We’re so proud of all your efforts and can’t wait to see how your entries do in the competition!
Year 2 – Courageous Advocacy in Action
As part of our ongoing Courageous Advocacy work, Year 2 have been exploring the important issue of litter in our community. The children showed real care and compassion for the environment as they discussed the impact litter has on wildlife and our planet. They then got creative by designing posters to encourage others to take action and bin their litter, spreading an important message of care and responsibility. Alongside this, the children also wrote thoughtful prayers, asking for a cleaner, safer world and for people to make better choices for the Earth. We are so proud of the passion and purpose Year 2 showed—they are truly making a difference!
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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
Online Safety - Instagram
Instagram remains a go-to app for teens, with its endless stream of photos, videos, and ‘Stories’ keeping young users constantly connected. From influencer content to live broadcasts, the platform is packed with evolving features that can feel fun and engaging – but can also raise some serious concerns around screen time, online pressures and exposure to inappropriate content. We’ve created this free guide – also available in podcast format – offering parents and educators up-to-date knowledge on the risks and safety tips for this latest version of Instagram.
Year 2 - DT - Mechanisms
Year 2 students engaged in a hands-on Design and Technology lesson focused on mechanisms, specifically "Making Moving Vehicles". The children worked at tables, utilizing various materials and tools to construct their own moving vehicles. They explored different mechanical principles as they designed and built their creations.
Year 2 - Music - Soundscapes
Year 2 students explored the concept of "Morning Soundscapes" in their music lesson. They experimented with a variety of percussion instruments, creating different sounds and rhythms, while also discussing musical elements like tempo, pitch, and dynamics. The children worked individually and in groups, demonstrating creativity and collaboration as they brought their morning soundscapes to life.
Year 2 - SPORTS SCHOOL - Benchball
Year 2 students enthusiastically participated in a P.E. lesson focused on benchball. The children practiced their throwing and catching skills, aiming for targets while navigating the challenges of balancing on the benches. The activity promoted teamwork and coordination, with everyone engaged in the fast-paced game.
Year 2 - English - Persuasive Writing
In their English lesson, Year 2 identified the key features of persuasive letters. They successfully recognised and discussed elements like persuasive vocabulary, audience, emotive language and arguments within the letter.
Year 2 - Computing - Pointillism Art
Year 2 developed their digital art skills in computing this week, mastering the art of pointillism. They learned how to use digital tools to place individual dots of colour, resulting in impressive and detailed pictures that showcased their growing artistic abilities.
Year 2 RE - The Easter Story - Symbolism
In RE this week, Year 2 explored symbolism through a tasting activity. They examined the symbolic significance of Easter eggs, hot cross buns, and plain bread, engaging in a discussion about their meanings.
Year 2 PE - Target Games - Aiming
Year 2 enhanced their aiming skills in PE this week during their target games unit. They explored techniques, focusing on precision and control, and demonstrated significant progress in their accuracy.
Year 2 Computing - Creating Pictures - Impressionism
Year 2 developed their digital art skills while learning about Impressionism. They studied the techniques of Impressionist painters and then applied those principles to create their own digital Impressionist artwork on the computers.
The Benefits of Reading Every Day!
Reading with your child every day has a huge impact on their learning and development. It helps to build their vocabulary, improve their imagination, and develop a lifelong love of books. Just 10-15 minutes of reading each day can strengthen their confidence, comprehension skills, and ability to express themselves. Encouraging daily reading—whether it’s a bedtime story, sharing a book together, or letting them read aloud—helps to support their progress in school and beyond. Thank you for making reading a special part of their day!
Phonics Screening Check
The Phonics Screening Check is a short assessment that takes place in Year 1 to check your child’s ability to read words using phonics. It helps teachers understand how well children are progressing with their early reading skills. During the check, your child will be asked to read 40 words—some real and some “nonsense” (pseudo words). These words are designed to test their ability to blend sounds together. The check is done one-on-one with a teacher in a relaxed and supportive environment. You can help your child at home by practicing phonics sounds, blending words together, and reading regularly. Encouraging them to spot sounds in books and playing simple word games can make a big difference! We will be hosting a parent session to provide more information about the Phonics Screening Check and how you can support your child at home. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions and see some of the strategies we use in school. If you have any questions, please speak to your child’s teacher—we’re here to support you and your child on their reading journey!
Online Safety - Streamers
Livestreaming is now a major part of children’s entertainment, evolving from gamers sharing screens into a booming industry with diverse personalities. While watching streamers can be entertaining, it comes with no small number of risks for children, such as misinformation, negative influences, and inappropriate content. With over 2.5 million viewers on Twitch – the current most popular streaming platform – at any one time, this guide highlights the potential dangers associated with watching livestreams and the importance of staying informed. We’ve created this free guide – also available in podcast format – to provide parents and educators everything they need to know about streamers and how to keep children protected.
Family Easter Egg Competition
Dear Parents/Carers, Our annual Family Easter Egg Competition is almost here! This year’s theme is “All Things Easter”, so let your creativity shine! You could design your eggs based on: • Easter animals like chicks, bunnies, or lambs • Traditional Easter symbols such as crosses, baskets, or spring flowers • Fun Easter scenes like an egg hunt or a chocolate feast • Characters with an Easter twist—perhaps an “Egg Minion” or a “Bunny Superhero”! All entries should be clearly labelled with your child’s name and class and brought into school by Wednesday, 9th April. The winners will be announced during worship on Thursday, 10th April. Good luck—we’re egg-cited to see your fantastic creations!
Year 2 Maths - Volume and Capacity - Measuring in Millilitres
Year 2 have had a great week in Maths learning more about volume and capacity and using the correct units of measurement.
Year 2 Computing: Effective Searching, Making Leaflets
Year 2 have enjoyed learning to search effectively on the internet. This week we created leaflets on the chrome books to help other children with effective searching on the internet!
Year 2 - English - Stories With a Familiar Setting
This week we have started to plan our stories based on a familiar setting. We have lots of great ideas in Year 2 for our stories and we can't wait to write them!
Exciting News – Walking Bus to School!
Exciting News – Walking Bus to School! We’re excited to announce that starting this Monday, we will be introducing a walking bus to school! Miss Meagher and Mrs. Adamson will be leading the walk, departing from school at 8:30 am and following a set route. For more details, please check the poster. We’d love for you to join us! Since this is our first time running the walking bus, next week will be a trial period. We may make some adjustments to timings or the route afterward, and we’ll keep you informed of any changes for the following week. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Online Safety - Roblox
Whilst they can be a great way for friends to socialise, online games like Roblox that allow multiplayer gameplay with strangers are always fraught with a variety of dangers that can expose children to inappropriate or harmful content. Roblox enables people to play anonymously, which can often be something that attracts people to misuse the game and potentially put young people at risk of harm. In addition to interacting with random strangers across the world, other factors such as in-game purchases and potential scams can also pose a financial risk. It’s important that parents and educators remain aware of the risks associated with this popular title and how it can be used safely. This free guide – also available in podcast format – offers parents and educators expert advice on what can be done to ensure that young people have a safe and enjoyable experience with Roblox.
Year 2 Music - Soundscapes
Year 2 have had lots of fun this week in Music looking at soundscapes!
Year 2 PE - Target Games
We have been practicing our underarm throwing skills this week in our Target Games lesson. Year 2 have also been amazing at teaching one another the correct technique to use for this throw! Well done.
Craft Club - Creating Pancakes!
This week in craft club the children created their own pancakes. They carefully cut out their toppings of choice and stuck them onto their pancake. Sone children even created a pancake face!
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Year 2 PE - Invasion Games
'Invasion Games' is one of our new PE units this term which we are loving!
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Year 2 Music - Doodle Boards
We have been having lots of fun creating doodle boards this week in music!
Year 2 - PSHE - Children's Mental Health Week
Whilst wearing our silly socks for Children's Mental Health week, we discussed big and small feelings, what we can do to feel better when we feel these ways, how to take care of our brain and coloured in lots of fun pictures, as this is one strategy we learnt can help us feel better!
Year 2 - Music
We have had lots of fun following a conductor in Music this week!
Drama Club Fun - Face Painting to Create Characters
In Drama Club we are creating our own characters for a play, so we learnt how to paint our faces to create different weird and wonderful characters! It was a lot of fun!
Year 2 Computing - Binary Trees
We have done lots of amazing learning this week, including understanding more about Binary Trees and using them too!
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Year 2 Maths - Multiplication and Division - Making Equal Groups
We have had many great mathematicians in Year 2 this week, continuing our learning on grouping and sharing.
Year 2 - English - Non Chronological Reports
We have been identifying features of a non chronological report this week, including reading reports on Facts About The Artic & The FA Cup. From highlighting and discussing features, to placing features in the correct order, it has been a fantastic week so far in English!
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Year 2 - PE: Team Building
This lesson was an amazing end to our Team Building unit in PE! We put all of our skills to the test in some fun team races, facing different challenges.
Year 2 RE - The Ten Lepers
We looked at the story of The Ten Lepers, discussed how we would feel as a leper before and after being healed and the importance of being thankful to Jesus for helping us.
Year 2 PE - Team Building - Making a Plan to Be Successful
We continued to build on our team skills by taking part in activities, all of which needed the team to create plans in order to be successful.
Year 2 Maths - Making Equal Groups
We have been working super hard this week in Maths! We have been making equal groups by grouping and sharing. Our team here in Year 2 have been amazing at demonstrating that practice makes progress! Well done.
Year 2 - Art: Architecture
We have been drawing objects in the classroom using continuous lines and varied line types, and have then used these skills to draw the Taj Mahal and the Soloman Guggenheim Museum.
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Year 2 - English - Writing Our Own Stories
We have read two books by the same author (Simon Bartram) and have been planning our own stories based on one of his books (A Right Royal Disaster). The children have enjoyed his books and have written their own stories following a similar plot!
Year 2 - PE: Team Building
We are currently working on Team Building in PE. Children needed to communicate effectively, work on listening skills and talk about what it means to be a good team player.
Wake Up Wednesday - Health and Fitness Apps
Over time, more and more fitness apps have been finding their way into circulation. Usually free to download – at least initially – these apps claim to offer helpful advice and assistance in routine management to those looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. While these platforms can be useful, they do present several safety concerns. These issues become more significant when we consider that children and young people can use these apps to stay active – whether out of concern for their own health or for reasons of body image. Our free guide breaks down the risks of health and fitness apps and offers expert advice on how to address these concerns to safeguard younger users.
Year 2 - Maths: Money and PE: Team Building
We have been looking at using money in Maths, counting and calculating with pounds and pence. In PE, we have been focusing on team building and the skills we can use to create better communication in a team and a better understanding of instructions.
Spring Clubs!
Our spring clubs are now available to book via ParentPay. They are a great way for children to learn a new skill and to socialise with others. Please log on to your ParentPay account to book, if you need any help please contact the office.
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Online Safety - TikTok
With 22% of its billion-strong userbase being between the ages of 13 and 17, the popularity of TikTok among the younger generation is indisputable
Year 2 Art and Design - Sketching Natural Objects By the Way They Feel
Today in art we collected some more natural objects and made drawings thinking about the way they feel.
Year 2 PSHE - Being Kind
In PSHE we talked about kind and unkind behaviour. We listened to a story about Harold and how he was being unkind to his friends. We then passed the microphone around to say kind things to each other.
Year 2 Computing - Magic Squares
In Computing today we learned how to use the totalling tool and created our own Magic Squares.
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Year 2 - Maths - Properties of 2D Shapes
In maths we have been developing our knowledge on 2D shapes. We have been counting the sides and the vertices. Then we made our own 2D shapes as part of an investigation.
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Year 2 - English - Instructions
In Year 2 we have been writing our instructions for our invented playground games and started to plan our independent write on how to wash our hands.
Year 2 - RE - Why Were The Shepherds Chosen?
Year 2 have been thinking about how different people in the Nativity Story were told the good news by angels. Today we were thinking about why the shepherds were chosen to be told first, especially as they were not considered to be very important people at that time. We learnt that God's love is for everyone and that He values everyone regardless of their position in society.
Year 2 - PE - Sports Skills
On Monday ten children from Year 2 took part in a Sports Skills Festival at St Bedes. It was great fun!
Year 2 - English - Playground Games
In English we have been reading and analysing the instructions for playground games. We then made up our own games in small groups.
Should I Keep My Child Off School?
Lots of bugs and germs are spreading, and we know you want to do what is best for your child. Please see the NHS guidance below on keeping your child off school. If you are keeping your child at home, please contact the school office as soon as you can.
Year 2 - English - Reading Playground Game Instructions
In English, we read some simple instructions for different playground games and had a go at playing them.
Year 2 - PSHE - Fire Talk
This week we had some special visitors from the fire station who gave us a talk on fire safety at home. It was great fun!!
Year 2 - PE - Using Shapes To Create Balances
In PE we developed our Gymnastic skills by balancing with different shapes on the large apparatus.
Year 2 History - What Was This School Like In The Past?
Year 2 two investigated what Darwen St James was like in the past. We had Mrs Ainsworth come and answer our questions all about it. Mrs Ainsworth used to come to this school when she was a little girl.
Year 2 - Art - Collecting and Creating Pictures
In Art, Year 2 went outside and collected natural objects to create their own collages thinking about shape and pattern.
Year 2 PE - Creating Gymnastic Shapes
In PE, Year 2 have been developing their gymnastic skills. We explored different ways of travelling and holding a shape.
Year 2 Science - Investigating How Germs Are Spread
Year 2 took a look at what we do to keep our bodies clean and how germs are spread. We created our own hand washing posters to show our understanding.
Year 2 - PE - Sending and Receiving
In PE we have been developing our skills in sending and receiving a ball by rolling it to a partner or a target.
Year 2 Maths Subtracting 10s
In maths we have been learning how to subtract multiples of ten from a two digit number using base 10.
Year 2 - Art - Creating Visual Lists Of Our Outdoor Environment
Year 2 learnt about how artists are explorers and collectors. We sketched visual lists of our environment to see where we could explore for our art inspiration.
Year 2 Science - Long Term Study
Year 2 having been observing and measuring the growth of caterpillars over the past few week. They have now pupated and we are waiting for them to hatch.
Year 2 DT - Making Stable Structures
Year 2 designed and made their stable structures in DT.
Year 2 English - Independent Animal Research
Year 2 are preparing to write their own Safari Animal non-fiction text. They research their chosen animal, make notes and added them to their box ups.
Fire Safety
A Home Office study has found that approximately 350 children are injured in accidental fires every year
Breakfast Club
In the Breakfast club we made brick towers bigger than a year 5 child and played Guess Who Games . We had lots of fun.
Year 2 English - Boxing Up Facts
Year 2 became 'talking experts' about lions. They brainstormed all their facts and added them to a non-fiction text box up ready for writing.
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Year 2 Geography - Physical Features
Year 2 walked to Polyphemus Woods in our local area to look at the natural features of a woodland.
Year 2 English - Safari Animal Research
In English we have started our non-fiction writing by researching our chosen animal. We used online books to discover the answers to our question: What are their offspring called? Where do they live? What do they eat? Then we found some interesting extra facts.
Year 2 - PE - Jumping With Control
This week in Pe Fundimentals, Year 2 explored different ways of jumping and how to do with control.
Year 2 RE: God's Big Story
In RE, Year 2 has been learning about the Bible. Today they learnt that although it is made up of lots of books, it makes up one big story altogether. They then chose their favourite story from the Bible. Some liked the stories of Daniel and David being brave, and others liked the stories with Jesus in.
Year 2 - Geography - Oceans of the World
Year 2 recalled the seven continents of the world using our giant globe. They then used maps in an atlas to locate and leaves the five oceans of the world. We then wrote about where the oceans were in relation to the continents.
Year 2 DT - Joining Techniques
In DT Year 2 investigated different joining techniques for their structures - hinges, tabs, flanges and elbow joints.
Year 2 Science - Arrival Of The Caterpillars
Year 2 have been learning about life cycles in Science. Our caterpillars have arrived for our long term study to watch how they develop.
Year 2 DT - Exploring Structures
Year 2 started their new topic on strong structures by exploring how to make sheet materials stronger by rolling, folding and layering.
Year 2 Maths - Numbers to 100
Year 2 have been developing their knowledge of the value of two digit numbers by using base ten and place value charts.
Year 2 PE - Running and Ball Skills
Year 2 have been developing their running skills in the hall and their ball rolling skills through targets in the playground.
Year 2 - English - Roleplay in the blizzard
Year 2 have been reading the story - The Way Home For Wolf. We explored how the character Wilf felt when he got lost in the blizzard.
Year 2 Courageous Advocacy
Year 2 talked about what they like about their community and what they would like to improve.
Year 2 Skills Builder
Year 2 developed their skills in communication, creativity and problem solving by making their own mini-art exhibition in Skills Builder.
Year 2 PSHE Stranger Danger
Year 2 explored what is safe or unsafe when talking to strangers.
What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Worry and Anxiety
At times, growing up can be a stressful experience. It’s not unheard of for young people to fret about things that could potentially go wrong in their lives – and what implications this would have for their life. In some situations, this can go beyond feeling uneasy about the future and become full-blown anxiety, which affects their mental, emotional and even physical wellbeing. While worry and anxiety can originate from many different places, it's immensely important for parents and educators to understand the effect this can have on youngsters – and how best to support them if they’re going through a difficult time. This guide provides insight into the ramifications of worry and anxiety, and how you can help children manage – and hopefully overcome – these challenges.
Year 2 Computing Repeating Patterns
Year 2 explored the art work of William Morris and then created their own repeating wallpaper patterns using the pattern tool on 2Paint.
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Year 2 English Spelling Practice
Year 2 practiced this week's spellings on Edshed.
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 2 English Noun Phrases
In English we pretended we were flying on the magic carpet like Aladdin and Jasmine. We then had a brainstorming session creating interesting noun phrases about what the characters saw as they flew in the sky.
Year 2 Geography - Observing The Natural Coastline
Year 2 had their visit to Lytham St Annes. We used our compasses to find north, south, east and west to record the Coastline features we could see in each direction.
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Year 2 Science Food Chains
In science we looked at different habitats and the food chains that can be found there. We then created our own food chains and wrote a description about them using scientific vocabulary.
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Year 2 Computing Creating Fact Files
In computing we have been looking at ways of presenting information. We had a go at creating fact files on the United Kingdom. We also developed our skills in inserting images and inserting capital letters on the keyboard.
Year 2 RE Investigating Mosques
In Year 2, we looked at the features of a Mosque using religious vocabulary. We then created our own Islamic pattern designs.
Year 2 PE Orienteering
Year 2 started their new unit on Orienteering. We tested our skills in position and direction by completing obstacle courses, sometimes blindfolded and listening to instructions from a partner.
Year 2 Music Glockenspiels
Year 2 created the pentatonic scale on their glockenspiels.
Year 2 Skills Builder
Year 2 learned all about going green in skills builder today. We developed our listening, speaking and problem solving skills. We have fun making our own badges.
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.
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.
Year 2 What is Identity?
In picture news today we learned about identity and shared with each other what is special about them. What things are the same or different about each other?
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Year 2 - Fire Safety Visit
Today we had a visit from Darwen Fire Brigade. They taught us all about how to stay safe around fires and how it's important to have a get out plan at home.
Year 2 Fire Plan Reenactment
Year 2 acted out what they had learned about a fire plan at home.
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Micro:bit Club - Creating a Digital Pet
Today the children have been programming their Micro:bit to create a digitial pet. There were lots of variables needed and lots of code to debug! The children showed gret perseverence and were proud of their finished program.
Ordering School Meals Via ParentPay
We have listened to your feedback regarding wanting to know what your child eats in school and we have now activated ParentPay meal ordering so that you can order what your child will eat in school (please note thaat this will be compulsory form September). Please familiarise yourself with this by logging on to your ParentPay account and selecting your child's meals with them at home. Dinners need to be ordered before 9am. Please message Miss Greenwood if you have any problems logging on, thank you.
Introducing Recount Letters - Year 2
Year 2 have started their English topic on recount letters. We have read a variety of letters developing our reading fluency. Today we investigated different unknown words from the letters we read.
Science Year 2 - Classifying Objects
Today in Science we were being scientists by classifying objects. We had to record objects we could find that were alive, once alive or never alive.
Year 2 PE Athletic Games
This week some year 6 pupils set up some fun athletic games for us to try out.
Year 2 Computing - Creating Buttons
In computing this week we were developing our coding skills by learning how to add a button to our code.
Music in Year 2
Year 2 have been exploring making simple tunes using the glockenspiel.
Year 2 Art - Exploring Colours
Year 2 explored primary and complementary colours in art this week using different materials to create six collages.
Year 2 Religious Education - Church
Year 2 RE - Year 2 went to visit Church to look at the special features it had. We found things like the altar, font and stained glass windows.
Friends of DSJ
We are looking for new members of our Friends at Darwen St James group. The group was created to help raise funds for school by thinking of ideas and planning fundraisers throughout the year. Past events include; *Film night *Bingo night *Family evening *Summer Fair *Christmas Fair All the money we raise is used in school - we have developed the nurture room and we are currently renovating the library areas around school. If you would like to find our more or if you would like to volunteer, please speak to Miss Sears.
Year 2 Art inspired by Henri Matisse
Year 2 created their own spiral pictures inspired by Henri Matisse.
Year 2 Sprinting - PE
Year 2 were developing their spriting skills by observing each other to improve their technique.
Free School Meals - Extended!
As you all are aware, we received funding last year and we were fortunate to be able to offer free school meals to all of our children. We thought that this would be run until the end of March, however we are thrilled to announce we are able to extend this to the 26th April. From 29th April children who are not on free school meals will have to pay for their lunch and there will be a slight increase in cost and the new charge will be £2.50 per day. Now is a good opportunity to look into seeing if your child will be eligible for free school meals if you haven't yet applied by visiting Blackburn with Darwen Borough Councils website here https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-meals
Online Safety - What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Township
Potentially addictive online games are nothing new, but the specifics of this kind of media can vary enormously – and, as a consequence, the risks in each individual game are just as diverse. The city-builder Township is no exception: providing its legions of devotees with accessible, satisfying fun … but exposing them to potential hazards at the same time. However, any safeguarding issues that the game might have can (with a little knowhow) be neutralised – allowing young players to have some engrossing fun without adults needing to worry about children’s data, their money or their mental wellbeing. Our guide outlines how to help young gamers enjoy Township safely and responsibly.
Easter closure information
Easter closure information
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.
Online Safety - Wake up Wednesday - Clickbait
While scrolling online, you’ll almost inevitably have come across posts or links with headlines like “You Won’t Believe These 10 Crazy Facts about …”. Such lurid language – and the often-dubious nature of the content it promotes – has become something of a running joke on the internet. Yet while these articles are often laughed at by communities online, they can have an insidious side. Clickbait, as it’s known, can frequently function as part of a trap: intended to draw users in for the sake of advertising revenue or, in worse cases, masking an attempting to collect their personal information. This #WakeUpWednesday guide explores the various risks of clickbait and offers some top tips for evading the pitfalls of this controversial marketing technique.
Easter Egg Competition
This year our competition theme was the Paris Olympics and we have had some eggstrodinary entries! Well done ot every family that entered this years competiton, the judges have had an eggstremely dificult decision this year! The winners will be announced in our special Easter Worship tomorrow, you are all welcome to join us.
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Measles Guidance
Please see the latest guidance for measles.
BwD Family Hub Website
Fantastic news! Our website is live! The Start for Life Family Hub Website is the gateway to information of where services are, it details everything a family will need in those 1001 critical days and beyond. Our Family Hubs and Children Centres are our Single point of access to those start for life, wider services and family help. The Hubs and Children Centres are the physical places where a family can visit and speak to a trained staff member, face to face, who will provide them with straightforward information or advice on a wide range of family issues spanning the 0-19 (25 with SEND) age range and connect them appropriately to further services across that age range if they need more targeted or specialist support.
10 Top Tips for Parents and Educators: Encouraging Open Conversations at Home
Cultural and technological changes have made the experiences of today’s children vastly different to our own childhoods; it can be challenging to engage youngsters in open, honest conversation – especially about more sensitive topics. This, combined with many children’s instinct to avoid “rocking the boat”, can make it difficult to stay up to date with the goings on in their lives. However, it’s hugely important that trusted adults still offer an empathetic ear and feel able to encourage young people to open up about their day-to-day activities. This #WakeUpWednesday guide provides ten top tips for promoting open conversations with children – helping to make sure there’s someone they know they can turn to in times of need.
Year 2 - Design and Technology - Sewing
Today in DT we practised our sewing skills ready to start designing and making our own puppets.
Year 2 - PSHE - Online Safety
In PSHE today, we had a discussion about what the internet is and how we can stay safe online. We focussed on staying safe when playing games and only playing with people we know. If we don't feel safe we TAG it - tell a grown up!
Year 2 -Science - Long Term Study
Say hi to the new members of Year 2! As part of a long term study in Science, we are observing the lifecycle of frogs. The first stage being frogspawn - watch this space!
Year 2 - Geography - Hong Kong
In Geography this week, we have been discovering the location of Hong Kong. We have written descriptions of Hong Kong using geographical vocabulary.
Year 2 - World Book Day
Year 2 has had a fantastic World Book Day! They shared stories with Year 6, talked about their teddies and explored the story or Mula and the Unsure Elephant.
Year 2 - DT - Finger Puppets
DT- in DT today year 2 have made finger puppets, The children have really enjoyed making them.
Year 2 - Music - Articulation
Year 2 have been learning about articulation in music. In order to understand articulation they learnt to use gentle, sneering and angry voices as well as selecting appropriate instruments to accompany their singing. They are very excited to hopefully perform the song; 'I'll sing this song' next week. Watch this post !
Year 2 - Science - Human Lifecycle
In Science this week we have been learning about the human lifecycle. We then created our own flow charts to show the different stages of development.
Year 2 Maths - Odd and Even Numbers
Today in year 2 our learning objective is To know odd and even numbers. The children have been using a tens frame and counters to find odds and evens.
Year 2 - Maths - Halving and Doubling Numbers
Maths- Today's learning objective is: to learn to half a number or double a number. Our unit in Maths this term is multiplication and division.
Year 2 - Computing - Binary
Computing- In computing this term we have been using 2 questions (a binary tree) to answer questions . A little like the Guess who game.
Online Safety - Self Regulation
As infants, we all rely completely on adults to help us resolve situations that are causing us to become upset or stressed. This is known as co-regulation. The next phase, once autonomy has begun to develop, is called self-regulation: this is when children start to become capable of exercising more control over their impulses and behaviour, and managing their own emotions. This vital developmental milestone, however, isn’t reached spontaneously. Learning to self-regulate requires sensitive guidance from trusted adults – simply talking with children about their thoughts and feelings, for instance, can ease the route to self-regulation. This #WakeUpWednesday guide has some expert tips for supporting children to reach this goal.
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