Year 4 History - King Alfred
Year 4 have been looking at sources about King Alfred, who we learned, was referred to as 'the Great'. We had to study where each source had come from, how reliable it was, and rate it on a scale of potential bias. Year 4 had some fantastic discussions within their groups, explaining their thoughts to others. We shared all of our sources and ideas to the rest of the class, to collate our information.
Year 1 History Comparing Toys from the Past
Toy Detectives in Year 1! Our historians at Darwen St James’ have been travel-travelling back in time! Using our Kapow History curriculum, the children explored how toys have changed over the generations. What we did: Compared "Past" and "Present" toys using our interactive board. Investigated materials like wood and metal vs. modern plastic. Discussed what has changed (batteries and screens!) and what stayed the same (the fun of a good train set!). It was brilliant to see such great note-taking and historical thinking from our youngest researchers. Great job, Year 1! #DarwenStJames #Year1History #KapowHistory #LearningThroughPlay #ToyHistory
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 6: History - The Maya
This week in history, year 6 have been researching many different Maya Gods and Goddesses. We learnt about the cultural significance of the Gods to the Maya, and also thought about the Maya leaders' relationship with the afterlife.
Year 3 - History - Learning About Ancient Rome
This week, our Year 3 historians stepped back in time to walk the bustling streets of Ancient Rome. By investigating the city’s most iconic ruins, we uncovered the secrets of Roman life and engineering. From the towering stone tiers of the Colosseum, where we imagined the roar of the crowds, to the breathtaking dome of the Pantheon, pupils explored how these incredible structures shaped the daily lives of Roman citizens. It was a fascinating journey through the architecture that built an empire!
Nursery - Art - History - Poppy Creations
Today's lesson provided a meaningful introduction to the concept of Remembrance through a creative and collaborative Art activity, linking to an important moment in history. The children accessed the craft area to explore the poppy, a key symbol of remembrance. They used simple, sensory resources—red glue and red tissue paper—to create their own beautiful poppies. To mark the occasion, the children also participated in a challenging exercise during snack time: observing and taking part in a two-minute silence. While this was tricky for our youngest learners, they made a fantastic effort to maintain quiet and stillness. To further extend the theme of community and remembrance, we collaborated with the preschool children to create a handprint wreath. This collective piece of art will be placed at our school's adopted war memorial grave, providing a tangible way for the children to contribute to an important tradition of respect and memory.
Year 6: History: Writing a Viking Saga
This week in History, Year 6 analysed two different Viking Sagas, which told the same story in different ways. They then produced their own Saga, including facts which are historically accurate as well as mythical elements. L.O: To create a Viking Saga
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Year 3 - History - Surviving In The Iron Age
Year 3 explored what it took to survive in Iron Age Britain! We began by examining the landscape and discussing how different tribes used natural resources to their advantage. The children discovered the importance of the hillfort and identified the defensive features that protected the people and their livestock. They also considered other daily essentials such as fire, iron, crops and tools.
Year 5 History - Identifying Viking Objects and how they relate to the Vikings
This week in Year 5 history, we explored a variety of Viking artifacts to deduce their significance. Students were given a collection of objects, including a sword, a compass, a longboat, wool, and grapes, and asked to make connections to Viking life. This activity sparked a great deal of lively discussion, with the grapes proving to be a particularly intriguing puzzle! Our investigation then led us to learn about the incredible saga of Leif Eriksson, and how he discovered Vinland—a land so named for the wild grapes he found and brought back to Greenland.
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Year 2 - History - What was Darwen St James like in the past?
In our history lessons, we've been exploring what schools looked like in the past. To uncover the unique history of our own Darwen St James, our pupils prepared a list of questions for a very special guest: Miss Sears, a teacher at our school and also a former pupil! As someone who once walked these same hallways as a student, Miss Sears was the perfect person to bring our school's history to life. She shared personal memories, old photographs, and fascinating newspaper clippings. Thanks to the children's thoughtful questions and brilliant listening, it was a truly memorable and inspiring lesson.
Year 5 History - Viking Trading Route Board Games
Year 5's History studies this term are currently immersed in the fascinating world of the Vikings. This week, we focused specifically on the critical importance of trade to their civilisation, analyzing the extensive Viking trade routes across the seas. To consolidate this learning, students ingeniously created board games based on these very routes, effectively illustrating the vital role commerce played in Viking life.
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Pre-School-Understanding The World-Changes As We Grow
Last week in Understanding the World, I asked parents to send in a baby photo of their child. The children loved looking at their pictures and talking about how much they’ve changed since they were babies and what they look like now. This simple activity sparked so much learning: • Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Talking about their own baby photo helped the children build confidence and recognise how they’ve grown. • Physical Development: They could see how their bodies have changed – from not being able to walk to now being able to run, jump, and climb. • Understanding the World: The children explored the idea of change over time, learning that people and living things grow and develop as they get older. • Communication and Language: They enjoyed using descriptive words, asking questions, comparing their photos, and sharing their memories.
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