Year 5 PE - Gymnastics
The children explored body tension, extension, and control as they mastered their very first core position: the straddle pose. Working on the mats, pupils focused on keeping their legs straight, toes pointed, and posture strong. It was brilliant to see everyone showing such determination and flexibility as they built the foundation for more complex balances and routines.
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.
Year 5 Science - Dissolving
Year 5 Science
Year 5 PE - Dribbling and Passing
Year 5 had a great PE lesson today. We have been practicing dribbling the ball and passing correctly. We added some extra challenge by incorporating their skills into an invasion game. The children really embraced the challenge and demonstrated some amazing skills.
Year 5 PE - Athletics: Shot Put
Year 5 Channel Their Inner Olympians in Athletics! This week, Year 5 took to the school playground for a fantastic Athletics session, turning their focus to the power and technique of the shot put. The children worked hard on mastering their throwing stance, learning how to safely "push" the shot put from their shoulder rather than throwing it like a ball. It was wonderful to see their determination as they focused on their aiming points and pushed for maximum distance. The class did incredibly well, showing fantastic technique and sportsmanship throughout the lesson. Watch out, Team GB—we might just have some future Olympic champions in our midst!
Year 5 Science - Investigating Asteroid Craters
Our Year 5 scientists have blasted off into an exciting new physics topic this week, exploring the secrets of our solar system. The children began by examining different celestial bodies, discussing the phases of the Moon, and discovering how a massive asteroid collision millions of years ago brought about the end of the dinosaurs. This sparked a big question for our main science investigation: Does the size of an asteroid affect the diameter of its impact crater? To put this to the test, the class worked brilliantly in teams to plan a fair test. They identified their variables and designed their own data tables to record their future findings. The children raided the PE cupboard to use different-sized sports balls as their "asteroids." They dropped these into trays of sand to measure and observe the deep craters left behind. What do you predict our results will show—will a larger asteroid always make a wider crater?
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.
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.
Year 5: Geography
In geography this week, year 5 have been learning about how to look after our oceans. Linking to work in English about environmental activist Greta Thunberg. The class were very knowledgeable and thoughtful in their responses, which was great to see!
Year 5: D.T.
Year 5 have completed their working gear mechanisms in design and technology. They have worked so hard and produced some fantastic final pieces. They have had to use many skills, and be precise with their work. Well done!
Year 5 Geography Presentation
Year 5 have been turning into true global citizens this week during their Geography lesson. Focusing on the delicate beauty of our oceans, the children explored the powerful impact humans have on marine life and coral reefs. The class showcased some incredible skills, proving they are real experts in their field: They successfully interpreted thematic maps, identifying where coral reefs are located and tracking how ocean temperatures are shifting. From plastic pollution to the effects of climate change, the children clearly explained the various ways human activity is altering our marine environments and the negative impact this will have on us. They didn't just share facts; they inspired us all to think a little more about how we treat our blue planet.
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