Year 4 English - Folktale Writing
Year 4 have enjoyed reading different folktales and have been busy this week putting all of their ideas together to create their own, based on the tale, 'Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit Go Hunting'. We are excited to hear all the mischievous antics these characters have gotten up to in our own creations!
Year 4 Assessment Week
Year 4 have put the best efforts into their assessments this week. We are thankful to have them all completed now!
Online Safety - Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo’s long-awaited Switch 2 has finally arrived, blending fresh hardware with fan-favourite franchises. From Mario to Pikachu, the familiar mascots are back – but so too are evolving online features, in-game purchases, and potential exposure to mature content. As ever, it’s essential that parents and educators understand the risks to young players. Among these are GameChat voice communication, camera-based gaming, and potential access to mature-rated titles. This guide outlines what to watch out for and how to keep children safe, engaged and having fun.
Year 4 Computing - Effective Searching
Year 4 have been putting their information finding skills to the test, learning how to effectively search for facts using efficient questioning in Internet search engines. We have had to determine whether the information we find can be trusted, useful skills that can be helpful in many different situations!
Year 4 Class Novel
Year 4 enjoy their Class Novel time and have been so engrossed in this half terms' narrative, 'The Elsewhere Emporium,' by Ross Mackenzie. It is the sequel to the book we completed in the previous term and Year 4 can't wait to find out what will happen in the next stages of the adventure. Lots of predictions are being made as to what will happen - we hope it will be a happy ending!
Year 4 Art
In Art, Year 4 have been practising recording ideas using visual representations, rather than just words. We were amazed at how different each piece of work was, even though we had all received the same information. We decided it shows how we all think differently and see and interpret things in different ways that are relevant to us as individuals.
Online Safety - Youtube Kids
YouTube Kids promises a safe, child-centric experience with colourful visuals, age-filtered content, and robust parental controls. Designed to appeal to younger viewers, the app has grown rapidly, being used by tens of millions of children worldwide. But is it as safe as it seems? Despite YouTube Kids’ safeguards, reports have highlighted worrying issues, such as inappropriate content slipping through filters, subtle advertising, and the use of manipulative design to keep children engaged. Our guide explores how to navigate these pitfalls, offering practical advice for making sure children get the most from the platform – without the risks.
Forest School Training
Forest School learning is an inspirational and specialised approach to outdoor education that focuses on developing confidence, self-esteem, and holistic growth in learners through hands-on experiences in natural environments. This week our teachers have been on a Forest School adventure. Learning all the different skills to become Forest School leaders. Bringing back to school the philosophical understanding, practical skills, and confidence to unlock the vast educational potential of the outdoors, ultimately creating richer, more engaging, and more beneficial learning experiences for our pupils.
School Games Gold Award Winners!
We’re proud to announce that Darwen St James has been awarded the GOLD School Games Mark! This brilliant achievement is a reflection of the perseverance, courage, and hope shown by our pupils—and the dedication of our PE and Extra-Curricular Sports Team, who work tirelessly to promote sport and physical activity across our school. This year we have participated in netball, football, cross country and cricket to name a few! The School Games Mark is a national award that celebrates a school’s commitment to PE, school sport, and competition, both within and beyond the school gates. It also supports schools in reviewing and strengthening their provision. A huge thank you and well done to Mrs Cookson and all the staff for making sport such an exciting and important part of life at Darwen St James. We’re incredibly proud of our pupils for stepping up to every challenge with determination and team spirit. Keep going, keep growing! ???? #TeamDSJ #DSJFamily
Year 4 English - Writing A Newspaper Report
In English Year 4 have been writing newspaper reports.
Online Safety - Violent Content Online
Around 70% of teenagers say they’ve seen real-life violence on social media in the past year. Violent content online isn’t just something young people are occasionally stumbling across – in many cases, it’s becoming a routine part of their digital world. From fights and stabbings to toxic ideologies , disturbing videos are often just a click away on social media or group chats. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide highlights the unseen risks this poses to children’s mental health , sense of safety, and social behaviours. With insights from a leading expert , it offers practical ways for parents and educators to respond with empathy and support – not punishment or panic.
Year 4 Maths - Money
Year 4 have been putting their calculation, decimal and conversion skills to the test in Maths this week, looking at money.
.png)


