Nursery/Pre-School-P.S.H.E-Looking After Ourselves-Teddy Bears Picnic
This week in P.S.H.E., we explored the importance of self-care and healthy living. To put our learning into practice, we hosted a "Healthy Picnic" alongside some very special guests—our favorite teddy bears from home! During our session, the children discussed how to fuel our bodies with nutritious food and shared their daily self-care routines, from brushing teeth to keeping germs at bay with a good soak in the bath.
Year 2: Lunar New Year dance workshop
Dancing Through the Great Race! Our hall was alive with energy as our pupils took part in a vibrant Lunar New Year Dance Workshop! To celebrate the Year of the Horse, the children didn't just learn about the Legend of the Great Race... They lived it! Through movement and choreography, they told the story of how the twelve animals of the Zodiac crossed the finish line.
Year 2 D&T: Problem solving to make a sturdy base.
Engineering in Action! Our Year 2 inventors have been busy putting their Design & Technology skills to the test this week... The classroom was transformed into a construction site! The children were challenged to take everyday recycled packaging and turn it into a stable, sturdy base capable of supporting a rotating wheel. It wasn't as easy as it looks! What we learned: Problem Solving: When a structure wobbled, our young designers had to figure out why. Triangulation: We discovered that some shapes are much stronger than others! Reinforcement: Learning how to use masking tape and tabs to create "strong joins." The resilience on display was incredible—there were plenty of "oops" moments, but even more "aha!" moments.
Year 3 - P.E - Dance Workshop
Our Year 3 students had an incredible time today as they swapped their desks for the spotlight! We were thrilled to welcome West End in Schools for a high-energy, creative workshop all about China.
Year 3 - P.E. - Tennis Skills
Our Year 3 students hit the courts today for a fantastic PE lesson focused on mastering the basics of tennis. There was plenty of focus, agility, and—most importantly—great sportsmanship on display!
Reception- Maths- Make A Double
In their latest maths adventure, the Reception children dived into the concept of doubling with a hands-on, prehistoric twist. The classroom was buzzing with excitement as the children constructed a tall wall to hide a small group of dinosaurs on the other side. To sharpen their "subitising" skills—the ability to recognize a quantity without counting—the children were invited to take a "quick look" over the wall before the dinosaurs were hidden once more. After identifying the initial number of dinosaurs they saw, the challenge began: they had to calculate what that number would be if it were doubled. This playful activity turned an abstract mathematical operation into a visual game, helping the children understand that doubling is simply adding the same amount again to create a larger total.
Reception- English- Create A Front Cover
During a literacy session, the Reception class embarked on a creative journey by selecting their very own favorite stories to explore in depth. After listening closely to the tales and discussing the vibrant illustrations, the children were tasked with designing their own unique front covers based on what they had seen and heard. This activity served as a fantastic workout for their fine motor skills, as they carefully manipulated their pens to bring their visions to life. Beyond the artistic effort, the project provided a wonderful platform for the children to communicate their personal interests, explaining why certain characters or scenes resonated with them. By translating auditory and visual information into their own tangible creations, they not only strengthened their early literacy comprehension but also gained confidence in expressing their individual identities.
Nursery / Pre-School - Literacy - Using Gross And Fine Motor Skills To Put The Fires Out
Oh no! The nursery was "on fire" this week, and our brave children jumped at the opportunity to act out their firefighter dreams to help save the day. This high-energy role-play was a fantastic way for the children to develop their communication and language skills as they worked together to shout "Help!" and "Fire!" To "put out the fires," the children used a variety of tools that provided a brilliant workout for their fine motor skills and hand strength. They practiced different movements to build up their muscles by squeezing spray bottles and sponges, pinching pipettes to drop water onto the "flames," and gripping paint brushes to "paint" water over the fire. It was wonderful to see the children so engaged in their mission. By using these tools, they are not only being heroic firefighters but also developing the essential coordination and strength needed for their future writing journeys!
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Year 4 - The Lunar New Year
Year 4 really enjoyed their dance workshop this week. We got to explore the Lunar New Year in a creative way and learn moves to tell a story through dance. Year 4 were very good at remembering the moves for each different animal and were even better when given the choice to move in the way of their chosen animal. The final performance was fantastic to watch - well done, Year 4!
Year 4 Science - Electrical Circuits
Year 4 are studying Electricity in our current topic and have been learning about the names of different types of components and how these come together to make a working circuit. We got to put our knowledge to the test by making our own circuits and testing if they worked! Some of us, even managed to adapt bulb brightness - some very successful circuits made!
Year 1 - History - Exploring Toys from the Past
Step back in time with Year 1! As part of our Kapow History curriculum, our Year 1 historians have been busy investigating toys from the past .We’ve been asking the big question: What were toys like 100 years ago? From wooden spinning tops to clockwork wonders, the children have loved getting hands-on with history. We aren't just looking at old objects; we are building oracy by describing textures, comparing materials, and debating which toys have stood the test of time! It’s been a fantastic, interactive way to bring the past to life. Well done, Year 1! #DarwenStJames #Year1 #PrimaryHistory #KapowCurriculum #LearningThroughPlay #Oracy #NurturingAmbition
Year 1 Lunar New Year Workshop
Celebrating the Lunar New Year with Year 1! Today, our Year 1 hall was filled with energy and excitement as we hosted an incredible Lunar Workshop with West End in Schools! The children took part in an expressive dance session to bring the story of The Great Race to life. We practiced following instructions to mimic the movements of the different Zodiac animals—from the clever Rat to the powerful Dragon! It was a brilliant, interactive way to learn about the traditions of the Lunar New Year through movement and music. Our little performers showed fantastic focus and creativity. Well done, Year 1! #DarwenStJames #Year1 #LunarNewYear #TheGreatRace #WestEndInSchools #ExpressiveDance #CulturalLearning #NurturingAmbition
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