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.
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