--- title: "News: Year 6" url: "https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/tag/year-6" school: "Darwen St James’ C of E Primary Academy" --- # News: Year 6 ![Image of Year 6 - DT - Waistcoats](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/Collage_2026-11-04_17_05_06.jpg) 4 Nov [2026-11-04-year-6-dt-waistcoats](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-11-04-year-6-dt-waistcoats) #### [Year 6 - DT - Waistcoats](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-11-04-year-6-dt-waistcoats) Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a flat piece of fabric into a bespoke, wearable garment? This week in Design Technology, Year 6 stepped into the shoes of fashion designers as we carefully cut out our paper templates and transferred them onto our chosen fabrics: two front panels and one larger back piece. We smartly used chalk to mark our outlines so the lines could easily be rubbed off later without permanently marking the material. Cutting the fabric out with scissors proved to be a real test of resilience and control, meaning we had to collaborate brilliantly—holding material taut and helping one another through the trickier cuts. Finally, we lined up our panels and securely pinned the seams in place, leaving our waistcoats fully prepped and ready to sew next week! ![Image of Year 6 - English - Predictions](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/Collage_2026-11-04_17_02_12.jpg) 4 Nov [2026-11-04-year-6-english-predictions](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-11-04-year-6-english-predictions) #### [Year 6 - English - Predictions](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-11-04-year-6-english-predictions) What can a piece of driftwood, a violin, and a starry night sky tell us about a journey across the sea? This week in English, Year 6 turned literary detectives to uncover the mysteries of our new class text, A Story Like the Wind by Gill Lewis. We explored a curious collection of clues—including a key on a string necklace, a cosy blanket, sheet music, and evocative illustrations—alongside a short, intriguing extract from the opening pages. Through lively discussions in pairs, small groups, and as a whole class, we pieced together what these symbolic objects might represent and what challenges the characters might face. We then channelled our ideas into thoughtful written predictions in our books, setting the stage for what promises to be a deeply moving story. ![Image of Year 6 - PE - Orienteering](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/Collage_2026-10-14_16_47_44.jpg) 14 Oct [2026-10-14-year-6-pe-orienteering](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-10-14-year-6-pe-orienteering) #### [Year 6 - PE - Orienteering](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-10-14-year-6-pe-orienteering) Ever wondered if your child could use a map and key to crack a secret code and navigate their way to victory? This week, Year 6 put their Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (OAA) skills into practice during an exciting, high-energy orienteering lesson on the school grounds. After sharpening their spatial awareness with a energetic warm-up and practicing map orientation, the children worked in small teams to interpret map symbols and locate hidden control points in a specific order. Demonstrating brilliant teamwork, honesty, and safety awareness, pupils logged each checkpoint on their control cards and successfully decoded the secret mystery word! ![Image of Year 6 - Geography - Fieldwork](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/Collage_2026-10-14_16_50_31.jpg) 14 Oct [2026-10-14-year-6-geography-fieldwork](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-10-14-year-6-geography-fieldwork) #### [Year 6 - Geography - Fieldwork](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-10-14-year-6-geography-fieldwork) Have you ever wondered how the size of a local population changes the environment on our very own doorstep? Over two action-packed geography lessons, Year 6 took their learning outdoors into the local area to investigate traffic, litter, and noise pollution across busier and quieter locations. Navigating with Ordnance Survey maps, the children collected both quantitative traffic tallies and qualitative data—listening carefully to assess noise levels and using Likert scales to judge environmental impact along their route. Back in the classroom, they carefully analysed their data sets to craft detailed fieldwork reports, complete with thoughtful suggestions on how to improve and protect our local community! ![Image of Year 6 PE ](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/Collage_2026-10-08_09_10_13.jpg) 8 Oct [2026-10-08-year-6-pe](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-10-08-year-6-pe) #### [Year 6 PE ](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-10-08-year-6-pe) Year 6 have been developing an awareness of what their bodies are capable of, recognising their strengths and identifying areas for improvement. They have also been developing their speed and stamina, improving their ability to perform physical activities with greater pace, endurance and determination. ![Image of Year 6 Computing ](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/Collage_2026-10-07_13_52_34.jpg) 7 Oct [2026-10-07-year-6-computing](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-10-07-year-6-computing) #### [Year 6 Computing ](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-10-07-year-6-computing) Year 6 looked and started to understand what a computer network is and identify examples of networks at home, school and in the wider world. ![Image of Governor Vacancies](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/IMG_0391.jpeg) 6 Oct [2026-10-06-governor-vacancies](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-10-06-governor-vacancies) #### [Governor Vacancies](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-10-06-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: dsjoffice@cidari.co.uk 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 6 - Music - Exploring Texture](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/y6_music.jpg) 30 Sep [2026-09-30-year-6-music-exploring-texture](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-09-30-year-6-music-exploring-texture) #### [Year 6 - Music - Exploring Texture](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-09-30-year-6-music-exploring-texture) In Year 6 music, our pupils have been riding the soundwaves as they explore how texture creates depth and shape in music! Working in groups, the children took on the role of conductor, layering different body percussion, vocal sounds, and tuned instruments to build up 'wave' improvisations. They learned how adding and taking away different sounds changes the thickness of the musical texture—just like waves rolling in and out on the beach. To finish, the children recorded their original group ideas using creative graphic scores to capture every unique layer. ![Image of Year 6 - Science - Applying Practical Knowledge of Circuits and Switches](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/image_5d385940.jpg) 30 Sep [2026-09-30-year-6-science-applying-practical-knowledge-of-circuits-and-switches](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-09-30-year-6-science-applying-practical-knowledge-of-circuits-and-switches) #### [Year 6 - Science - Applying Practical Knowledge of Circuits and Switches](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-09-30-year-6-science-applying-practical-knowledge-of-circuits-and-switches) Year 6 applied their scientific knowledge of circuits and switches during an exciting science lesson to design and create custom greetings cards, incorporating either a light-up or moving component powered by bulbs or motors. The children discussed how impractical it would be for the cards to remain constantly active, as the batteries would likely run out before the recipients even opened them. To solve this problem, they successfully incorporated clever switches using split pins and paper clips. Throughout the lesson, the children demonstrated outstanding teamwork and perseverance to complete the task, and they are incredibly proud of their final designs. ![Image of Year 6 - Music - Exploring Texture](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/y6_music.jpg) 30 Sep [2026-09-30-year-6-music-exploring-texture-1](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-09-30-year-6-music-exploring-texture-1) #### [Year 6 - Music - Exploring Texture](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-09-30-year-6-music-exploring-texture-1) In Year 6 music, our pupils have been riding the soundwaves as they explore how texture creates depth and shape in music! Working in groups, the children took on the role of conductor, layering different body percussion, vocal sounds, and tuned instruments to build up 'wave' improvisations. They learned how adding and taking away different sounds changes the thickness of the musical texture—just like waves rolling in and out on the beach. To finish, the children recorded their original group ideas using creative graphic scores to capture every unique layer. ![Image of Year 6 - Communion](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/y6_-_communion.jpg) 16 Sep [2026-09-16-year-6-communion](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-09-16-year-6-communion) #### [Year 6 - Communion](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-09-16-year-6-communion) Year 6 visited church this week for a special Holy Communion service. The children helped lead the worship by sharing their own prayers, and everyone enjoyed staying afterwards to share lunch together. ![Image of Year 6 - English - Setting Descriptions](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/imagecache/720x440c/news/y6_-_english.jpg) 16 Sep [2026-09-16-year-6-english-setting-descriptions](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-09-16-year-6-english-setting-descriptions) #### [Year 6 - English - Setting Descriptions](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news/2026-09-16-year-6-english-setting-descriptions) This term, Year 6 have loved diving into the story of Rose Blanche. To help them imagine life as Rose, the children wrote their own setting descriptions from her point of view. We placed pictures from the book around the classroom, and the children worked together to gather words and phrases describing what Rose could see, hear, and feel. It was wonderful to see them helping each other plan, and their finished descriptions show great imagination and empathy. ### Academy Life - [News](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/news) - [Events](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/events) - [Clubs](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/academy-life/basc) - [School Council](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/academy-life/school-council) - [Attendance](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/academy-life/attendance) - [Charities and Fundrasing](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/academy-life/charities-and-fundraising) - ![School Games Gold](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/Gold_Logo_25-26(1).png) - ![Healthy school](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/healthy_school.png) - ![Picture News](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/6_Years_of_Picture_News.png) - ![AP smilestar](https://files.schudio.com/darwen-st-james-c-of-e-primary-academy/images/partners/Screenshot_2026-07-27_10.26.27.png) ##### Location St James Crescent Darwen Lancashire BB3 0EY ##### Contact Us 01254 703260 ##### Stay Connected - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Darwenstjames) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/darwenstjames/) © Copyright 2021–2026 Darwen St James’ C of E Primary Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://darwenstjames.co.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)