Year 1 - Computing - To Know What Technology is Around School
Our Year 1 pupils have been brilliant tech detectives in their Computing lessons this week. Using Purple Mash, the children have been exploring how technology works, learning to identify various electronics and digital devices right here in our school. They took a walk around the building to spot everything from interactive screens and laptops to everyday digital tools that help our school run smoothly. It is fantastic to see our youngest learners developing their digital literacy and understanding how technology connects to the world around them. #Computing #Year1 #PurpleMash #PrimaryTech #DarwenStJames
Year 1 - Geography - Identifying Human and Physical Features
Today, our Year 1 adventurers kicked off their brand-new Geography topic: What is it like to live in Shanghai? To start our learning, we went on a local walk to hunt for human and physical features in our school's neighbourhood. The children did a fantastic job spotting everything from trees and grass (physical) to fences, roads, and buildings (human)! Next week, we will be using our brilliant fieldwork notes to create our very own maps before we start comparing our local area to the bustling city of Shanghai! A huge well done to Year 1 for their excellent behaviour and sharp eyes today. Check out some photos from our busy afternoon! #Year1 #PrimaryGeography #Fieldwork #LocalArea #SchoolCommunity
New Active Uniform!
We are thrilled to announce a fresh, modern update to our school uniform policy starting this coming September. After careful consideration and from feedback from the parental questionnaire, we are transitioning to a full active uniform. This change is designed to simplify your mornings, reduce overall costs, and—most importantly—ensure our pupils are ready for movement, play, and learning every single day. The active uniform replaces the traditional split between formal wear and PE kits. By moving to a single, versatile wardrobe, we aim to provide: ● Increased Physical Activity: pupils can jump straight into sports or active play without the need for changing breaks. ● Cost-Effectiveness: One set of clothes for the whole week means fewer items to purchase. ● Comfort and Focus: High-quality, flexible clothing helps students stay comfortable and focused on their studies. A Special Note for Year 6: To celebrate their final year, Year 6 pupils will not require the half-zip red top. Instead, they will be provided with their Leavers Hoodies to wear as their outer layer throughout the entire academic year! We also have some exciting news regarding our school identity! We are hoping to update the school badge this year, which means the branding on the new uniform items may change as we roll out the fresh design. Because of this—and to support our families—we are treating the 2026-2027 academic year as a transition year. If you have old uniform items that you still need to use, it is perfectly fine for your child to wear them during this first year. There is no pressure to buy the new badged items immediately if your current ones still fit. We want to ensure that no clothing goes to waste and that the move to the Active Uniform is as stress-free as possible for your budget. Our badged items (the half-zip sports tops and badged T-shirts, along with black track pants and shorts) are available on our official uniform website as usual. All other items, such as plain black bottoms and trainers, can be sourced from any retailer of your choice, provided they meet the no branding requirement. We truly believe this shift will foster a more energetic and inclusive environment for our children.
Year 1 and 2 trip to Imagine That!
Year 1 and 2 had an amazing trip to Imagine That! in Liverpool on Monday. From imaginative play to slime making, science experiments to magical snow, the day was jam packed with fun and excitement for everyone - including the teachers! Well done Year 1 and 2 for your incredible behaviour and amazing curiosity that you showed throughout the day.
Y1 - Fluency Bee - Finding Half
This week in Y1 the children have been learning about finding half of an object. This has been our focus in maths and Fluency Bee. Using a range of different resources, the children have been exploring finding half of a total number and then representing this using a number sentence.
Year 1 - Fluency Bee -Finding Doubles
Year 1 have been using the Rekenreks to support their understanding of finding and representing doubles. The children used the Rekenreks to represent the double number and then we put this into a number sentence. The children also represented the double using their fingers.
Y1 - PE - Developing Balance When Holding Poses
The Year 1 children have been working hard in PE this week, focusing on their balance and control as part of our Get Set 4 PE curriculum. We’ve been exploring how to hold different poses with stillness and purpose, which is trickier than it looks! It was great to see their persistence—even when a pose felt a bit wobbly, they kept trying until they could hold it for a count of five. These activities are fantastic for building core strength and body awareness, all while having plenty of fun in the process.
Year 1 - Art - Watercolours
Making a Splash with Watercolours! Year 1 have had a brilliant time starting their new art topic on watercolours. The children loved exploring the paint by practicing different types of lines and swirls. They especially enjoyed seeing what happens when the paints get extra runny, watching with excitement as the colours mixed together to make brand-new shades. It was wonderful to see so many colourful patterns and happy faces as we learned how to use our brushes!
Year 1 - Science - Plants
This term, Year 1 are exploring their botanical skills as they begin our new science topic on plants. The children started by recapping their prior knowledge of plant parts, but things got interesting when Mrs Cookson challenged them to draw a flower; they quickly realised that not all flowers look the same, which left them feeling a little puzzled! To solve the mystery, the class headed outside to explore our school grounds, investigating the wonderful variety of flowers and plants growing right on our doorstep.
Year 1 - PSHE - Similar and Different
In our SCARF P.S.H.E. sessions this week, we’ve been exploring the wonderful things that make us "us." The focus was all about similarities and differences, helping the children understand that while we have plenty in common, it’s our unique traits that make our class so special. We spent time looking at how we are similar—like being in the same year group or sharing a love for playtime—but also celebrated the things that make us stand out, from our different heritages and languages to our unique talents and interests.
Online Safety - App and Play Stores
With millions of apps available and children accessing them from an increasingly young age, app stores can present a range of risks. From malware and copycat apps to inappropriate content and persuasive in-app purchases, this Wake Up Wednesday guide highlights how easily young users can encounter issues – even when using official platforms. It also offers clear, practical advice to help parents and educators manage these risks. From setting up parental controls and checking app credibility to having open conversations about safe usage, the guide supports adults in building children’s awareness, encouraging safer choices and promoting more balanced, responsible app use
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Year 1 DT - Making Puppets
Year 1 have been working incredibly hard this term to design and create their very own puppets. This week, we reached the finish line as the children carefully assembled and embellished their products with wonderful decorations. We are extremely proud of the imagination and hard work that went into every single design!
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