British Values: Blog items
Year 4 - R.A.P. with Alim Kamara
Date: 4th Feb 2026 @ 4:26pm
As part of National Storytelling Week 2026, our Year 4 pupils enjoyed an inspiring online workshop led by storyteller and rapper Alim Kamara. The session, delivered live via Zoom, was a vibrant celebration of music, rhythm and the power of storytelling.
The workshop formed part of the National Literacy Trust’s nationwide events for Key Stage 2, designed to help children explore how stories can be told through sound, lyrics and performance. During the interactive session, pupils learned how storytelling and rap can come together to create powerful narratives. They were guided through the process of shaping their own lyrics and experimenting with rhythm—discovering firsthand how words can come alive through music.
The event formed part of this year’s national theme, “Soundtrack Your Story”, celebrating how music can enhance storytelling and ignite children’s love for reading and writing. Supported by the National Literacy Trust and the National Year of Reading 2026, the workshop provided a rich opportunity for pupils to develop their confidence, creativity and enjoyment of literacy.
Date: 3rd Feb 2026 @ 9:09pm
In RE, our focus has been Hindu Dharma. Our key question for the year is ‘Does it matter how we treat the world? During our learning we have
answered the question ‘How might people express their devotion?’
School Council- Symposium Meeting January 2026
Date: 3rd Feb 2026 @ 7:52pm
On Friday 30th January, the Year 5 & 6 school councillors visited Highfurlong School for the Spring meeting. Here, they met with other Blackpool schools to reflect on issues that had been raised in the previous meeting.
First, they listened to a guest speaker from Blackpool Council who chatted to the children about trading standards and the illegal selling of certain items. He talked about the selling of knives and vapes to underaged children, the illegal vapes and toys that are sold along the promenade and perfumes that have harsh chemicals in them.
They then took part in a discussion about climate change and pollution, led by Blackpool Council's Active Travel Team. They created their own 'Blackpool' by deciding what they thought should 'stop', 'start' or 'change' in Blackpool to improve the environment.
School Council- Raising money for Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Date: 3rd Feb 2026 @ 7:27pm
Lydia in Y6 was invited to our meeting to discuss ways of raising money for a charity close to her heart- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
She explained how she visited there as a 4-year-old child due to a road traffic accident. She injured her leg and needed surgery, and they were a great help to her over the years. Without the hospital’s help, Lydia would not have recovered and be able to walk as she does today. She also reminded us that there are two other girls in school who also visit the hospital regularly
Everyone came up with some great ideas: cupcake sale, strawberry sale, cookies sale, cake bake sale, Easter Run, lemonade sale, chocolate strawberry sale. We then voted for our favourite way to raise money and voted for selling a selection of cupcakes and cookies.
Reception caring relationships
Date: 3rd Feb 2026 @ 3:00pm
As part of RSE week we have been learning about the importance of friendships and how to be a good friend. We read a story about Ezza the elephant on his first day of school. We discussed the different emotions that he might have been feeling.
"He might be scared" Theo
"He might be nervous- I was nervous on my first day at Boundary" Leena.
We discussed how Heckle the Hippo was a good friend by noticing Ezza being sad and asking him to join in with the game. We then explored a range of scernios and discuss what we could do to be a good friend. We also discussed how sometimes people fall out but why it is important to apologise and forgive.
We also been exploring the differences and similarities between different families. We talked about how all families might look different but they all have people who look after us, care for us and love us.
Date: 3rd Feb 2026 @ 2:54pm
Over the psst few weeks the children have been learning about people who help use in the community. Today Grace and Holly the PCSOs who work on Grange Park came into Reception to talk to us about their role within the community. They talked to use about what they do at work and how they support the families and schools in the area. We found out why they wear a uniform and that they have a special ID badge. The children asked some super questions and enjoyed trying on the different costumes and props that they brought with them.
Date: 3rd Feb 2026 @ 12:02pm
Year 5 had an exciting DT session in Redcliffe’s DT room, where everyone became real carpenters as we measured wood carefully, used hacksaws safely and accurately, and secured our materials in bench vices to prepare all the pieces needed for our frame‑structure bug hotels; the class worked brilliantly as a team, stayed focused while using proper tools, and filled the room with creativity (and a little sawdust!) as we got one step closer to building our very own bug‑friendly shelters.
Year 5 - National Story Telling Week - R.A.P
Date: 3rd Feb 2026 @ 11:55am
Year 5 Celebrate National Storytelling Week with Alim Kamara
As part of National Storytelling Week 2026, our Year 5 pupils enjoyed an inspiring online workshop led by storyteller and rapper Alim Kamara. The session, delivered live via Zoom, was a vibrant celebration of music, rhythm and the power of storytelling.
The workshop formed part of the National Literacy Trust’s nationwide events for Key Stage 2, designed to help children explore how stories can be told through sound, lyrics and performance. During the interactive session, pupils learned how storytelling and rap can come together to create powerful narratives. They were guided through the process of shaping their own lyrics and experimenting with rhythm—discovering firsthand how words can come alive through music.
Throughout the 45‑minute session, Alim Kamara captivated the children with his energy, enthusiasm and creative approach. Year 5 particularly enjoyed collaborating on a class rap, using ideas shared during the workshop to craft imaginative verses that told a story with both meaning and momentum.
The event formed part of this year’s national theme, “Soundtrack Your Story”, celebrating how music can enhance storytelling and ignite children’s love for reading and writing. Supported by the National Literacy Trust and the National Year of Reading 2026, the workshop provided a rich opportunity for pupils to develop their confidence, creativity and enjoyment of literacy.
Year 5 thoroughly embraced the experience, and we are excited to continue building on their enthusiasm in our upcoming storytelling and creative writing projects.
Reception- People Who Help Us- The Doctor and Nurse
Date: 22nd Jan 2026 @ 4:23pm
Reception have been learning about how Doctors and nurses help people and have been having a great time role playing in our Doctor's Surgery. They dressed up as Doctors and nurses, role played at being the surgery receptionist and patieints and spent many hours helping our baby doll get better from whatever illness or injury it had sustained. Children wrote out prescriptions and patient information too.
"I am a patient and I have banged my head" Zara
"I am the receptionist and I am checking patients in on my computer" Rohan
"I answer the phone...they tell me what is wrong with them...I tell the Doctor" Ruby- Louise
"I am the Doctor and I am going to make the baby better with this medicine" Reggie
"I am the nurse and I can help the baby get better...I,m checking it's temperature- it is hot!" Bonnie
Date: 21st Jan 2026 @ 2:40pm
As part of our Hindu topic in RE, this week we have been focusing our learning on Holi. Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates spring, love and new life.
Holi (also known as the 'festival of colours') is a colourful, fun festival where there is singing, dancing and throwing of powder paint and coloured water. In this festival Hindu's celebrate their god Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahlad.
Date: 20th Jan 2026 @ 12:12pm
Reception have been busy tidying up their outdoor area after the blustery weather. There were lots of leaves and rubbish blown into our garden that needed to be tidied away so that the children can enjoy a clean and safe environment in which they can learn through play.This activity also helped the children who needed to develop their gross motor skills and turn taking.
Everyone worked together to get the job done!
Reception- What to wear in Winter
Date: 9th Jan 2026 @ 10:46am
This week we have been learning about Winter and what we should wear to keep ourselves warm.
In the home corner we dressed up in hats, scarves and gloves. This activity is to teach children the importance of wrapping up warm and how to do so through items they will likely already have in their wardrobe.
"Gloves keep my hands warm because it is cold outside in Winter" Noah
" I'm wearing a scarf because its frosty today" Zara
"My hat keeps my head warm when its freezing outside and snowy" Bonnie
"in winter it is icy and you need your coat and boots on to keep warm" Ava
Date: 8th Jan 2026 @ 10:33am
This week, Year 5 began their journey into Hinduism! The children learned that Brahman is the supreme spirit and explored how Hindu stories are used to guide people in their daily lives. They were able to explain that Vishnu is one of the principal Hindu deities and clearly identify Krishna as an avatar of Vishnu. Through discussion and reflection, pupils shared thoughtful ideas about beliefs, values and personal meaning, showing a growing understanding of how religion helps people make sense of the world around them. A brilliant session full of learning, discussion and curiosity!
Date: 6th Jan 2026 @ 2:39pm
This week, Year 6 explored the guidance we need as we grow 🌱. We talked about who helps us when we’re young and how our sources of support change over time 👨👩👧👦. The class shared thoughtful ideas about finding guidance from family, friends, teachers, and their own experiences 💬. It was a great discussion about becoming more independent while still knowing where to turn for help ⭐.
Date: 18th Dec 2025 @ 2:57pm
Year 4 had a fantastic time taking part in a festive challenge circuit to help raise money for Brian House and Trinity Hospice. The children also wore elf and Christmas accessories to add to the fun!
The circuit included a range of physical challenges that tested the children’s speed, accuracy and strength. The children worked together, encouraged one another and demonstrated great teamwork skills.
Well done Year 4, for a huge physical effort and for supporting two local charities.
Date: 18th Dec 2025 @ 11:27am
It was the Reception Christmas Party today!
All the children came in their party clothes and had lots of fun singing, dancing, playing games, such as pass the parcel, musical statues and musical bumps. Then, to everyone's surprise, Santa came to visit with Christmas presents for everyone! After this, we had some party snacks before finishing for the Christmas Holidays!
Merry Christmas and a Happty New Year from everyone in Reception!
Date: 18th Dec 2025 @ 10:27am
Everyone in Reception was so excited because today was the Elf Run!
We all took part doing different sporting activities in the dance studio. There were six Elf Stations, The Ski Lodge, Christmas Yoga, Santa's Step Up, Toy Soldier Pressups, Elf Hurdles and the Snowball Toss
The children all took turns, cheered each other on and worked well together in their groups.
Take a look at how well we did!
Date: 17th Dec 2025 @ 1:50pm
In our final Royal Opera House Magic Flute lesson, we brought together all the skills and knowledge we’ve built throughout the last half-term.
We began by revisiting our year group’s composers and reflecting on the musical ideas we’ve explored. Then we warmed up with the lively “Pa Pa Pa” vocal exercise and completed a character role call to refresh our understanding of the story and its key personalities.
To finish, we came together as a full class choir for a joyful performance of “Pa Pa Pa Papageno,” celebrating both our learning and our confidence as performers.
Date: 17th Dec 2025 @ 1:27pm
Today, we used our knowledge of Christianity to produce a picture of the key characters in the nativity. We used silhouettes on a colourful background to make the characters stand out and create a stained glass effect. We then used silhouettes of Mary, baby Jesus, Joseph and the star shining brightly above the manger.
Date: 16th Dec 2025 @ 1:43pm
🏛️ A Quick Look at Today’s Assembly
We had a visitor come in for a 30‑minute assembly to explain what Parliament is and why it matters. They broke it down simply: Parliament is where laws are debated and decisions about the country are made. It’s made up of the House of Commons, where elected MPs sit, and the House of Lords, who review and improve proposed laws.
The speaker reminded us that Parliament shapes everything from education to national policies, so understanding it helps us understand the world we live in. A short Q&A at the end let students ask about elections, debates, and how young people can get involved.
A brief session, but a surprisingly engaging one that made politics feel a lot more relevant.
Year 4 - Parliament assembly and workshop
Date: 16th Dec 2025 @ 1:25pm
Today, we had a visit from Parliament. The afternoon started with an assembly all about the UK Government then Year 4 were lucky enough to have a workshop with Rachael Dodgson (Education and engagement officer for the North West). Rachael talked to us about the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Did you know that the King isn't allowed in the House of Commons at all? We also learned that school is in the Blackpool South constituency and our MP is called Chris Webb. Rachael told us we can find all of his details if we want to contact him about something or find our MP for our home address if we live further away by searching 'find my MP'. We discussed what qualities an MP would need. Rachael was impressed with our answers such as good oracy skills, confident and approachable. After the assembly, Rachael did a workshop with us where we debated like we were in the House of Commons. To start with, we watched a video of MPs debating and learned what to call each other and how to act/ speak. Rachael was super impressed with our oracy skills during our debate about whether all pupils should walk to school at least once a week. One member of Year 4 acted as the speaker and each person debating had to address her as Madam Speaker each time. What a fun afternoon!
Date: 16th Dec 2025 @ 12:08pm
This week the children in nativity have performed our annual 'Wriggly Nativity'. The children performed brilliantly singing the songs beautifully, participating in the dances as well as remembering where to stand on stage. They looked fantastic in their costumes and we are so proud of every single child.
Reception rehearse the Nativity
Date: 12th Dec 2025 @ 9:59am
As part of our learning about why Christians Christmas we have been preparing our annual Nativity performance. The children have been busy learning the songs and actions as well as practising when they need to move and stand on stage. We are very proud of how the children have listened carefully and shown patience and hardwork during rehearsals. They can't wait to put their costumes on and perform the the rest of the school and their families next week.
Date: 11th Dec 2025 @ 9:13am
This week, the Year 3 children gathered in the school hall for a festive Christmas lunch, and the excitement was contagious! Tables were decorated with bright crackers and sparkling tinsel, creating a magical atmosphere. Laughter and chatter filled the room as plates were piled high with a traditional roast and all the trimmings. After enjoying a sweet treat for dessert, the children leaned back in their chairs with full tummies and happy smiles, ready to share jokes and stories. It was a wonderful celebration that left everyone feeling warm, joyful, and ready for the holidays.
Date: 5th Dec 2025 @ 10:48am
We have been reading the story The Gingerbreadman.
It is one of our favourite stories and everyone loves joining in saying "Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the Gingerbreadman!".
Everyone collaged and painted a Gingerbreadman, wrote a list of the characters from the story and retold the story at the story telling table.
"Everyone chased the Gingerbreadman" Raya
"They couldn't catch him" Ibrahim
"He was a very fast Gingerbreadman" Harrison- Bleu
"The fox was sneaky- he tricked him and ate him all up!" Bonnie
