Year 3 - Science - The Mummification Process
Today, our young historians took a deep dive into Ancient Egypt by learning all about the fascinating process of mummification. From understanding the ritual steps to learning about the purpose of canopic jars, the children were absolutely captivated. Safe to say, we have some future archaeologists in our midst. Check out our little embalmers in action in the photos below.
Year 2 History: Comparing Monarchs
During this week's history, Year 2 have been comparing two very different monarchs: William the Conqueror and King Charles III. After discussing the qualities of both monarchs, Year 2 voted on which features they believe make a good monarch such as fairness and bravery. Then, everyone designed their perfect monarch and decided if they would be more like William the Conqueror or King Charles III! What qualities would your perfect monarch have?
Year 6: History - The Sikh Empire
This week in history year 6 analysed a variety of sources, to gain a historical perspective of how Ranjit Singh was seen at the time of the Sikh Empire. We spoke about the 5 'Rs' and discussed how reliable different sources may be.
Year 6: History - The Sikh Empire
This week in history, year 6 have located Lahore and several important trade routes to the Sikh Empire - including the Silk Road. We used atlases to locate the trade routes, and develop knowledge of the importance of trading goods and cultural exchange.
Year 2 - History - Norman Castles
Year 2: Castle Builders! This week, Year 2 have been busy learning how William the Conqueror protected himself after the Battle of Hastings. We discovered that he built strong castles to keep his army safe and help him rule over England. Working together, the children built their own Motte and Bailey and stone castles! We had great fun naming the different parts, including the high motte mounds, the bailey courtyards, and the deep moats. Well done to our fantastic junior historians for such brilliant teamwork!
Year 2 - History - Bayeux Tapestry
In this lesson, our Year 2 historians became detectives to uncover how William the Conqueror claimed the English throne. By exploring the Bayeux Tapestry—a 70-metre embroidery nearly 1,000 years old—the children hunted for historical clues like crowns and thrones. Through a "gallery walk" and caption-matching challenge, they pieced together the story of the Norman invasion and the Battle of Hastings. It was wonderful to see the children recognise how royal traditions, such as coronations, have remained remarkably similar from King Harold’s time to the present day!
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.
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