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 5 R.E. - Learning about Holy Books
As part of our R.E. Bible Topic, we have studied Holy Books from World Religions, including the Torah and the Qur'an, comparing these sacred texts to the Bible. We learned that the Torah is made of scrolls and must be handwritten, and that Muslims must learn the Qur'an by memorising the text. We played a game where the children tried to memorise parts of the first verse of the Qur'an to tell their team - against the clock! It was difficult, but a lot of fun!
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Lunch time
At Lunchtime today, the children didn't let the cold bother them! We all had lots of fun, there were snowmen of all different shapes and sizes! Children made snow angels and had a really enjoyable time running around in the snow. Then we all had to get a snowball and try and hit Mrs Meagher with it.
Year 5 Maths - Pizza Fractions
To introduce our Fractions topic in Maths, Year 5 enjoyed cutting some tasty pizza into halves, quarters and eighths, and identifying equivalent fractions. We then cut the second pizza into thirds and sixths and could tell that one third is equivalent to two sixths. We then enjoyed eating our pizza fractions!
Year 5 P.E. - Gymnastics
In P.E., Year 5 are learning some symmetrical and assymmetrical balances, travelling and jumps. We put our movements into some fantastic routines using the benches and each other!
Year 5 Tree Planting - Creating a Micro Forest!
Year 5 were very lucky this week to be invited by Lancashire Council to help create a micro forest on Winterton Road. We were all very excited to plant some trees and help to save the planet! It was very muddy, but great fun and we all learned some valuable skills about how to plant trees!
Year 5 Maths - Multiplying by 10, 100 and 1000
In maths we have been learning how to multiply by 10, 100 and 1000. We wrote digits from 1-9 on our whiteboards, and then moved the required number of places along a place value chart, making sure we added people with the place holder 0 to the empty places. In these photos we multiplied 58 by 10, 91 by 100, and 45 by 1000.
Year 5 English - Freeze Framing Key Scenes from Beowulf
We have been reading the story of Beowulf and Grendal in English, and we had a lot of fun deciding on the key scenes from the story and then using the drama technique of freeze framing to act these scenes out. Can you guess what is happening in each photo?
Year 5 Maths: Square Numbers
In maths, Year 5 are learning about multiplication and division. We have learnt about multiples, factors and prime numbers, and have moved onto understanding square numbers. To help with our understanding, we created square arrays with counters. We discovered that 4 is a square number - because we could create a square shaped array with 4 counters. We also discovered that 6 is not a square number!
Year 5 Design and Technology: Investigating Glove Designs!
Year 5 will be learning about sewing to create gloves in DT this term, and we began our topic with an investigation into glove designs. We looked at lots of different gloves for different criteria, including colour, fabric, stitching and decoration. We had a lot of fun!
Year 5 Science: Sorting Materials into Hard or Soft
Year 5 were given a variety of objects made from different materials, and sorted them according to how hard or soft these objects were. They then tested their ideas using a nail to scratch the objects, and made a second judgement based on how easy it was to scratch the object. Lastly, we tested the trustworthiness of our investigation by comparing our results. We were surprised that our results were so different, and concluded that the method of observation was not as reliable as we had first thought!
Year 5 Spelling Strategies
Year 5 have been using different strategies to learn their spellings this week, including cheerleader spellings and rainbow writing!
Year 5 Science - Dissolving
In Science this week, Year 5 investigated whether temperature has an effect on the time it takes to dissolve a sugar cube. We discussed variables, which ones were changed, which were measurable and which variables were the control variables and needed to remain the same each time.
Fire Safety
A Home Office study has found that approximately 350 children are injured in accidental fires every year
Year 5 Science - What is a Solution?
Year 5 discovered how to identify a solution in Science this week. We made several mixtures, including sugar and water, flour and water and tea and water. We observed whether the mixture became clear or cloudy, and whether we could see visible particles. Only the clear mixtures were solutions.
Year 5 R.E. - Researching the Timeline of the Bible Translations
Year 5 used a website about the history of the Bible to help make timelines of Bible translations, going all the way back to the 1300's!
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 5 Science - Making a Water Filter
Year 5 are learning about separating mixtures in Science. This week we studied filtration, and learnt about how useful it is - especially on the International Space Station! We made our own water filters, and were amazed at how much mud they filtered from the muddy water!
Year 5 PSHE - Negotiation and Compromise Roleplay
Year 5 had fun in the hall acting out a roleplay aimed at understanding how to negotiate and compromise. Everyone had a go, and we all laughed a lot!
Year 5 PE - Football Skills
Year 5's PE lessons were all about the football skills of tackling and defending this week. We had lots of fun in the sunshine tackling the ball from each other!
Year 5 English - Top Trumps of Mythical Monsters!
In English, Year 5 are learning about different ancient, mythical monsters to create a character for our stories based on The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. We used Mythical Monsters Top Trumps to help us begin to learn about these creatures!
Year 5 Science - Sieving
In Science this week, Year 5 have been learning how to separate solid mixtures using the process of sieving. We pretended to be gold prospectors and panned for gold in the soil!
Year 5 Art - Typography Using Different Materials
Year 5 are learning how to create typography in our Art lessons this term, which is the art of lettering. We used different materials like sticks, grasses, and screws and bolts to create letters, which we then sketched.
Year 5 Maths - Place Value Fun!
In our maths lessons we are learning about Place Value, up to 1,000,000. This activity shows us learning to read and write numbers up to 1,000,000 - using dice to generate 6 digit numbers, before telling our partner what the number says.
Year 5 Science - Find Someone Who and Making Mixtures
Year 5 enjoyed 'finding someone who' knew about materials and states of matter for a starter activity in Science this week. We then learned about what a mixture is, before making our own mixtures according to the instructions given - it got a bit messy but it was a lot of fun!
Year 5 PSHE - Collaboration Challenge!
Year 5 learned to collaborate with some fun posing exercises in the hall, before using this skill to try to build the tallest tower out of nothing but sheets of paper and sticky tape! We are learning to work together as a team.
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Welcome to Year 5 Mugshots!
We took portrait photos of Year 5 for the year ahead. Look how neat and tidy we are in our new uniforms!
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 5 Nurture
In our Nurture lesson we looked at keeping safe over summer. Year 5 researched stranger danger, fire and water safety and train line safety.They made a powerpoint to show others how to keep safe.
Year 5 Skills Builder
In our skills builders lesson we used listening, speaking and teamwork skills. Year 5 had to explore three crimes: cyberbullying, vandalism and theft. We had to make notes, including the Mitigating and aggravating circumstances. Then we had to write the most important facts about the crime ready to share with the other groups, using the evidence that we found we formed arguments for and against. They talked about what argument might the prosecution or defence come up with for this point in the crime report. We had to decide on three main arguments you will make in court.
Year 5 PSHE
For our PSHE lesson this week the Year 5 children had a talk about how their bodies are going to change. They were extremely sensible and really enjoyed the lesson. Well done Year 5.
Year 5 DT Moving Toys
In D+T Year 5 have been making moving toys. They designed their toy using 2 Design and Make. They then assembled their toys and attached wheels to make it move.
Year 5 Butterflies
For our long term study in Science the Year 5 children have been observing the life cycle of butterflies. The children have really enjoyed observing and making notes on the changes they have seen. On Tuesday it was time to release the butterflies. It was an amazing experience!
Witton Park Athletics
Tonight our children in Years 3,4,5 and 6 took part in Witton Park Athletics. The children participated in relay races, throwing, jumping and sprinting. They all did a wonderful job, behaved impeccably and showed great sportsmanship, a huge well done to them all! They did Darwen St James proud!
Year 5 Geography
In our Geography lesson this week we looked at the map we created on our field trip and classified the buildings we recorded.
Year 5 R.E
In our R.E lesson this week we researched Deborah from the Bible. The children then noted down what makes a good leader and judge. The children came up with some fantastic answers.
Year 5 Emotional Bingo!
Year 5 have been thinking about how they feel in certain situations. We discussed that feelings range in different situations. We discussed each new emotion on the bingo card then played bingo! A fun lesson was had by all!
Year 5 Thinking About the Decisions Moses' Mother had to Make.
Year 5 are currently looking at certain influential women in the Old Testament. This week we focused on Moses' Mother's hard decisions. The children had to decide if they agreed and also how her decisions affected her. It was an absolute emotional lesson where the children shone in their empathy and understanding. I was very proud of each and everyone of them.
Year 5 Investigating Flowers!
Today the Year 5 children walked around the school environment to look for and investigate a variety of flowers. They had to pick flowers that contained specific parts that they then went on to look more closely at in class. The sun shone, the children smiled and a great learning experience was had by all.
Year 5 Geography Field Trip
Today the Year 5 children went into Darwen Town centre to study the surrounding buildings. They created a map of the area which they thoroughly enjoyed. Afterwards we cooled down with an ice-lolly courtesy of Miss Meagher! Thank you Miss Meagher it was definitely needed. We ended our wonderful afternoon with a park trip where we created a variety of rubbings. The children were an absolute pleasure and represented the school very positively!
Year 5 French
In our French lesson we learnt how to say the words for brother and sister and how many that we have.
Year 5 Computing Physical Concept Maps
During our computing lesson the children discussed what they thought a concept map was. After the discussion the year 5 children created a physical concept map on the KS2 yard which they really enjoyed.
Year 5 PE Orienteering
During our first lesson on Orienteering the children had to navigate a map of school to locate different objects. They also had to use their knowledge of a compass to support them with this . The children had a lot of fun!
Year 5 RE
In our RE lesson the children firstly had to decipher why certain women in the old Testament were famous from looking at the pictures. They then researched each of the women to find out exactly why they were in the Bible. Some of the children were surprised by the answers !
Year 5 RE
The children researched significant females from the Bible and then fed their research back to the class.
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Year 5 Geography- Digimaps
In our Geography lesson we looked at Darwen on Digimaps. We then looked at the distance from school to another locations.
Year 5 PE Lesson - Orienteering
In our PE lesson we played dodgeball for our warm up. For the main activity we focused on team work ready for our exciting orienteering lessons.
Year 5 Science Day.
Today in Year 5 the children had to make a boat from a template to float in water and then add cubes to see how many it took to sink the boat. This quickly became a friendly competition between teams and individual children. It was a pleasure to watch! The next task saw the children then make their own boats and again add cubes to see how many it took to sink. The designs the children came up with were absolutely fantastic and Tyler and Bill's boat took over 200 cubes to make it sink! Awesome! Well done to all for a fantastic morning!
KS2 Science Show!
To continue our Science day the children watched an amazing Science show in the afternoon based on friction. The children's reactions were priceless! It was such an educational show with fun and amazement had by all including the staff! At the end of the show, he showed children safe investigations that they could complete at home. An amazing afternoon. The children want to thank Mrs Davies for an amazing, investigative, awe inspiring day!
Year 5 Skills Builder - Creating an Educational Game
In Year 5 the children have been researching, designing and making an educational board game for younger children. The children had great fun even more so when they could eventually play their games!
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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.
Year 5 Mini Olympics
Year 5 completed a mini Olympics on Monday. What fun we had. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had the greatest time!
Year 5 Picture News
In picture news Year 5 discussed the question, 'what is your identity?' The children gave some fantastic answers. One child said his identity was his personality, another mentioned their DNA!
Year 5 History - Mind Maps Of The Industrial Revolution.
In our History lesson the children used their knowledge of the Industrial Revolution to create a mind map.
Year 5 English Journey To The River Sea
Today in our English lesson we discussed the Amazon rainforest setting from our class novel, Journey To The River Sea. The children then listened to Miss Lawson write her version of the setting.
Year 5 PSHE Rosa Parks Story
The children looked at discrimination within our PSHE . They watched a clip and discussed how the children felt then they read the story of Rosa Parks. Afterwards they looked at how to treat people with respect.
Year 5 Science Life Cycle of a Bird
Today in our Science lesson we have been learning about the life cycle of a bird and the parts of an egg.
Year 5 PE Javelin
In our PE lesson we looked at the technique needed to throw a ball. Then the children had to use that technique to throw a javelin.
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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.
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A Huge Thank You to Woods Fruit and Veg!
We would like to say a HUGE thank you to Woods Fruit & VEG for supplying our fruit over the past few months, whilst we were in receipt of a food grant for our Key Stage 2 pupils. The fruit was lovely and fresh and the children really enjoyed it. We are missing your tangerines already!
Year 5 History - The Industrial Revolution
In Year 5 the children looked at the children working the Industrial Revolution. The children then went on to complete a myth busting treasure hunt.
Year 5 PSHE
In PSHE the children were learning the importance of listening. During the lesson they played a lsitening game, they had to work with a partner to tell and listen to a story. They then had to feedback what had been said.
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Year 5 Science - Researching Life Cycles
In our science lesson we have been researching the life cycle of our chosen mammals.
Year 5 DT - Textiles
In our textiles lesson we have been investigating materials and processes in producing a Mono-Print on fabric.
Year 5 Maths - Measuring Angles
In maths today, the children have been using protractors to draw and measure angles accurately.
Year 5 Science - Living Things and Their Habitats
Today in our science lesson we looked at the differences in the life cycles of a mammal, an amphibian, an insect and birds. Children also discussed parts of plants. The children had to use this knowledge to put the animals and plants into their correct life cycles.
French in Year 5
Year 5 have been learning the four points of the compass in French.
Year 5 English Lesson - Role Play - Fnishing a Piece of Writing
Today in our English lesson we have been reading the story of The Fantastic Flying Book of Mr Morris Lessmore. We role played finishing a piece of writing and notes. How we would finally finish our writing; final full stop, put the pencil down, check over it and then close the book.
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 5 Relay Lesson - Developing Technique
In our PE lesson we have been learning the technique of relaying using a baton, making sure our head is held up and arm out ready to receive the baton from the runner, we also needed good eye-hand coordination. As the receiver we needed to keep our hand out ready to get a firm hold of the baton and make the pass over smooth so that we didn't drop the baton. The person handing over the baton needed to make sure that they had their arm outstretched and that they kept a good vision of the receiver to make the passover fast and smooth.
Y5 - Parent Lunch
Year 5 parents joined their children today to sample dinner time in the hall and share the experience of enjoying our lovely school dinner. It was great seeing so many parents.
Year 5 - Holy Communion
Year 5 enjoyed Holy Communion and then had dinner with Rev Kevin and the congregation at St James' parish.
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.
Year 5 - Science - Changing States
In our science lesson today we have been learning about changing states of solid, liquid and gas. Year 5 acted out the changes in solid, liquid and gas. Next we looked at condensation using a tea light, tin foil, a mirror and water, watching what would happen after the water was heated up and seeing the condensation on the mirror.
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 5 - Science - Conductivity
In our science lesson this week, we were investigating the conductivity of different materials using a basic circuit. The children created their own investigation and enjoyed working together.
Year 5 - Science - Which Material is the Best Insulator?
Today in our science lesson we were comparing everyday materials to see which was the best insulator. Year 5 were very surprised with the results! Which material would you say was the best insulator? Tonight ask your child what they thought would be the best and if you got the same answer as your child. Let's see if you are as surprised as we were. We tested: bamboo glass ceramic plastic paper
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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