Image of NSPCC Number Day - Our Nifty Number Outfits!
6 Feb

NSPCC Number Day - Our Nifty Number Outfits!

Count Us In for NSPCC Number Day! Our school was looking a little different today as we swapped our usual uniforms for a sea of digits and mathematical patterns! From our youngest learners in Preschool to our eldest in Year 6, everyone joined in the fun to celebrate the NSPCC’s Number Day. It was wonderful to see the creativity on display, with both children and staff wearing their favourite numbers to help raise vital funds for the NSPCC’s "Speak Out, Stay Safe" programme. Whether it was a football jersey, a hand-decorated t-shirt, or even a giant birthday number 7, the whole school community came together to prove that there really is safety in numbers. A huge thank you to all our families for your brilliant efforts with the outfits and for your kind donations. It’s a fantastic day of problem-solving and numbers, all for a very important cause.

Image of Year 1 Making Connections: Number Bonds to 10 & 20!
5 Feb

Year 1 Making Connections: Number Bonds to 10 & 20!

???? Our Year 1 mathematicians at Darwen St James’ have been diving deep into the world of White Rose Maths this week! We’ve been busy building a rock-solid foundation by mastering our number bonds to 10. But the learning didn't stop there! Many of our brave learners took on the challenge to 20, showing incredible grit and "Nurturing Ambition" with every calculation. ???? How we learned today: Hands-On Discovery: Using Numicon and counters to visualize how numbers fit together. Collaborative Learning: Working in groups on the carpet to solve puzzles and share strategies. Independent Challenge: Applying our skills to worksheets and interactive games at our desks. It is wonderful to see our students' confidence grow as they spot patterns and unlock the secrets of addition! ???? #WhiteRoseMaths #Year1 #NumberBonds #DarwenStJames #NurturingAmbition #PrimaryMaths #MathsConfidence

Image of Year 1 Handwriting
5 Feb

Year 1 Handwriting

✍️ Big Pens, Big Dreams! Our Year 1 superstars at Darwen St James’ have been working incredibly hard on their handwriting this week! From practicing letter formations on the floor to mastering their sentences on whiteboards, these students are proving that practice makes perfect. We love seeing their confidence grow as they "Nurture Ambition" one letter at a time! ???? Highlights: Creative Spaces: Writing on large paper to develop those fine motor skills. Teamwork: Supporting each other at the writing stations. Success: Seeing those full sentences come to life! ???? #HandwritingHeroes #Year1 #DarwenStJames #NurturingAmbition #PrimaryEducation #LearningIsFun

Image of Year 1 Maths - Ordering Numbers to 20
23 Jan

Year 1 Maths - Ordering Numbers to 20

Year 1 Maths in full swing! This week in White Rose Maths, our Year 1 children have been getting hands-on with place value to 20. Using cubes, counters and lots of talk, they’ve been ordering numbers, spotting what comes first and next, and showing what each number is really made of. There’s been plenty of practical learning, teamwork and confident explaining as they’ve built strong foundations in number. A great buzz in the room and some super maths thinking on show!

Image of Year 1 - Music - Representing The Seascape
23 Jan

Year 1 - Music - Representing The Seascape

Year 1 have been busy by the sea in Music today ???????? In Kapow Lesson 3, we explored seaside soundscapes, using instruments, our bodies and our voices to match different seascape pictures. From crashing waves to gentle seagulls, the children listened carefully, experimented bravely and worked together to bring the scenes to life. So much creativity, teamwork and musical thinking on show. A lovely lesson full of sound, imagination and smiles.

Image of Year 1 - Computing - Algorithms
21 Jan

Year 1 - Computing - Algorithms

Our Year 1 students are diving into the world of Computing by learning how to sequence algorithms correctly. To understand how computers follow instructions, we practiced breaking down everyday tasks into clear, logical steps. #Year1 #ComputingSkills #Algorithms #Sequencing

Image of Year 1 - Geography - Compass Directions
21 Jan

Year 1 - Geography - Compass Directions

Our young explorers have been busy mastering the four cardinal directions in Geography this week. From identifying North, South, East, and West to mapping out the classroom around them, they are well on their way to becoming expert navigators! It’s wonderful to see such great focus and "direction" in their learning. #Year1 #GeographySkills #YoungExplorers #PrimaryEducation #CompassPoints

Image of Year 1 Computing - Sequencing Algorithms
19 Jan

Year 1 Computing - Sequencing Algorithms

Jam first or bread first… and does the order really matter? ???????? Year 1 got hands-on with algorithms and sequencing today using Purple Mash, and things got deliciously logical. The children followed step-by-step instructions to make a jam sandwich, spotting quickly that if you get the order wrong, the outcome changes. Sticky proof that computers are very literal. They used picture cards from Purple Mash to sequence the algorithm, tested it in real life, then debugged when things didn’t quite work. Lots of great talk about first, next and finally, plus brilliant perseverance when spreads went astray. Computing, but make it practical, memorable and fun. Exactly how Year 1 should learn

Image of Year 1 - RE - Baptism
14 Jan

Year 1 - RE - Baptism

Year 1 turned our classroom into a church today! To help us understand the signs and symbols of a Christian baptism, we held our very own ceremony using a doll. ????✨The children took turns playing different roles, including the parents and godparents. It was a wonderful way to explore the theme of 'Belonging' together! ????️???? #Year1 #RELessons #RolePlay #LearningThroughPlay

Image of Year 1 - Road Safety Talk
14 Jan

Year 1 - Road Safety Talk

Year 1 are Road Safety Superstars! Today in PSHE, we practiced the Green Cross Code and talked about how to stay visible and safe near traffic. Amazing focus from everyone involved! #RoadSafety #PSHE #PrimarySchool #Safety

Image of Year 1 - RE - Baptism
14 Jan

Year 1 - RE - Baptism

Year 1 turned our classroom into a church today! To help us understand the signs and symbols of a Christian baptism, we held our very own ceremony using a doll. The children took turns playing different roles, including the parents and godparents. It was a wonderful way to explore the theme of 'Belonging' together! #Year1 #RELessons #LearningThroughPlay

Image of Spring Clubs are back and they’re brilliant!
8 Jan

Spring Clubs are back and they’re brilliant!

Our Spring 2026 after-school clubs are ready to go and they are packed with fun, creativity, and energy. This term children can get stuck into Kurling, Dodgeball, Lego Challenge, Art Club, Computing, Book Club, and our brand new Geography Explorers Club. Whether they love building, coding, creating, reading, discovering the world, or burning off energy, there’s something to get excited about. Clubs run from 3.20pm–4.00pm, with collection from the front entrance. Most clubs cost £4.00 for the full 10-week block, not per week, and some clubs are free. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait too long. Clubs start WC 12/1/26, with the final week WC 23/3/26. All bookings are through ParentPay. After-school fun starts here – let’s make it a great term!