Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC): Blog items
Year 5 - Pol-ed: Knife Awareness
Date: 1st May 2026 @ 2:24pm
PC Fitzgerald visited the Year 5 class to deliver a Pol-Ed talkfocused on knives and knife crime. The session wasage‑appropriate and centred on safety, helping pupilsunderstand what knife crime is, why carrying knives isdangerous, and the serious consequences it can have forindividuals, families, and communities. PC Fitzgeraldemphasised making safe choices, saying no to peer pressure,and knowing where to seek help or advice from trusted adults.Pupils were encouraged to think about personal responsibilityand how to keep themselves and others safe.
Date: 1st May 2026 @ 11:17am
Reception observing our classroom caterpillar
Date: 1st May 2026 @ 11:08am
Over the past few weeks, our classroom has been filled with excitement as we welcomed 5 tiny caterpillars into our learning environment. The children were fascinated from the moment they arrived, eagerly observing their movements and discussing what they might need to grow. As part of our learning, the children have been carefully watching the caterpillars each day, noticing how they have grown bigger and changed over time, The children have enjoyed recording their observations through drawings and simple descriptions, encouraging them to think about what they can see and how things change. They have used wonderful language to describe the caterpillars, noticing details such as size, colour, and movement. We have also had lots of discussions about what might happen next. The children are very excited and are hoping that, in the coming days, they will see the caterpillars form their cocoons. This anticipation has sparked curiosity and encouraged prediction skills, as they share their ideas about what the caterpillars will become. This hands-on experience has provided a valuable opportunity for the children to engage with nature in a meaningful way, fostering curiosity, observation, and a growing understanding of the world around them. We look forward to continuing this journey and sharing the next stage of our caterpillars’ transformation with you!
Year 5 - Music: The Lark Ascending
Date: 30th Apr 2026 @ 8:58am
This is the second lesson where all the musical learning and were focused around the song Look Into The Night. The Listen and Respond activity in this step is The Lark Ascending, a song composed by one of our Year 5 focus compsers, Ralph Vaughn Williams. Children used whiteboards and pens to record how the music made them feel and drew images inspired by the musical piece.
Year 5 - Rowan: Unfinished Drawings
Date: 24th Apr 2026 @ 2:18pm
As part of our Always Time activities, children from Rowan had to complete an incomplete image. This week the challenge was "What am I lifting?". Take a look at pictures to see how our imaginations ran wild!
Date: 24th Apr 2026 @ 9:45am
Acorns - synergy trust sports morning
Date: 23rd Apr 2026 @ 11:44am
This week some of Acorns enjoyed taking part in our Synergy trust sports morning. Pupils joined us at Boundary, from Moore Park, Highfurlong and Stanley Park for a fun morning of sports and social interactions with their peers. We had a great time and look forward to doing again.
Date: 22nd Apr 2026 @ 7:45am
Date: 19th Apr 2026 @ 3:32pm
Thank you to everyone who bought a cake on Friday to support Alder Hey Children’s Charity 
as it is very close to her heart 
Year 5 - A Community of Christians
Date: 14th Apr 2026 @ 2:14pm
This week, children in Year 5 began their new journey in R.E looking at Christianity and beginning to answer the question 'How do people decide what to believe?'. The children looked closely at what a community is, the communities they are a part of and how Christians might feel part of a community of faith. They then looked at sources of authority both at school, at home and within Christianity and the impact these people of authority have. Finally, the children were given the 'Hot Air Balloon Task' where they were asked to decide who should be saved from a balloon that had popped! They were given the figures of Jesus, a teacher, a baker and a chef. Some children decided, for example, that Jesus should be saved so that he could save the others if Christians prayed to him as a source of authority.
Date: 14th Apr 2026 @ 2:13pm
This week children in Year 5 have begun their art journey into fashion design. In this lesson, pupils were inspired by a fashion designers Alice Fox and Rahul Mishra and created their own double-page spread to demonstrate their understanding of their backgrounds, influences and designs. Alice Fox, for example, takes inspiration from the seaside, something that we could do for our final designs!
Reception- Easter Outdoor Learning
Date: 2nd Apr 2026 @ 10:08am
Our Reception children enjoyed a wonderful week of Easter‑themed fun, embracing the joy of springtime through a range of playful outdoor activities. The children took part in traditional egg rolling, cheering each other on as they raced their colourful eggs down the grassy slope.
They loved dressing up in their favourite spring and Easter hats, filling the playground with bright colours, bunny ears, and big smiles!
One of the most exciting highlights was our Easter Egg Hunt. Children explored the outdoor area, searching high and low for hidden eggs while developing teamwork, curiosity, and problem‑solving skills.
These springtime celebrations created a magical atmosphere of discovery, laughter, and seasonal wonder — a perfect way to welcome the new season together. 🌷🐰
"i rolled my egg a long way- I won!" Zara
"I loved rolling my egg- it was so exciting!" Joseph
Reception enjoy the Easter disco
Date: 1st Apr 2026 @ 10:59am
On Mpnday the children had a fantastic time at our annual Easter disco. They had a great time dancing with their friends, playing pass the parcel and enjoyed a drink of juice and some biscuits as a snack. The children looked fabulous in their party outfits. It was lovely to see them all having such a great time with their friends.
Date: 30th Mar 2026 @ 2:57pm
Today, the children took part in a series of relay races and rounders-style activities designed to develop their throwing and catching, team communication, and accurate passing skills. Pupils worked in small groups to complete relay challenges, focusing on passing the ball safely and quickly while maintaining good teamwork.
They then applied these skills in adapted rounders games, where they practised underarm and overarm throws, catching with control, and communicating effectively with teammates. Throughout the lesson, pupils demonstrated growing confidence, improved coordination, and positive collaboration.
Date: 27th Mar 2026 @ 10:50am
We are delighted to share that 15 saplings donated by the Woodland Trust have arrived at school. Over the next few weeks, these young trees will be planted around the school grounds to help create a greener, healthier environment for everyone.
Planting trees brings so many benefits. As the saplings grow, they will help reduce our carbon footprint, providing cool, clean air for pupils, staff, and wildlife. Trees also play an important role in helping to reduce flooding, as their roots absorb water and strengthen the soil.
Beyond the environmental impact, spending time around trees and nature can boost physical and mental well-being, helping children feel calmer, happier, and more connected to the world around them.
We’re excited to watch our new saplings grow and to involve the children in helping look after them—planting small trees today for a brighter, greener future tomorrow.
Date: 27th Mar 2026 @ 10:11am
Reception enjoyed a lovely Spring walk around school today. The children were excited to spot lots of signs that Spring has arrived. They noticed bright yellow daffodils, new buds growing on the trees, and tiny green shoots beginning to appear in the ground. The trees around school were filled with pink and white blossom, which the children were fascinated by.
At the pond, the class discovered frogspawn, and they talked about how it will grow and change over time. The children also explored under rocks, stones, and pieces of wood, where they found spiders, ants, and other small creatures hiding in the damp, dark spaces.
One of the most exciting discoveries was a bird’s nest tucked up in the roof near the door in the Key Stage 1 playground.
Each child carried a clipboard and pencil, carefully ticking off the signs of Spring they spotted during the walk. They were introduced to new vocabulary, including blossom, spring, daffodils, bird’s nest, and frogspawn.
All the children really enjoyed the activity and worked beautifully together, helping one another with their observations.
"I saw pink blossom on the tree" Max
"There was lots of frogspawn in the pond...it looked like jelly" Rubie- Louise
"I saw yellow daffodils" Cherry
"The trees had buds growing on them" Faith B
Date: 26th Mar 2026 @ 10:57am
Today, Year 3 had a special visit from a volunteer from the NSPCC, who delivered an important Speaking Out, Staying Safe assembly. We began by learning all about Buddy, the NSPCC’s friendly mascot, and how Buddy helps children understand their right to feel safe.
The children discussed the different types of abuse in an age‑appropriate way, focusing on the key message that nothing is too small or too big to talk about. Together, we identified our trusted adults—both in school and at home—who children can speak to if they ever feel worried.
Everyone learned the Childline phone number, 0800 1111, and practised the actions to help them remember it. The session reinforced that every child has the right to speak out, be heard, and stay safe.
Year 3 showed fantastic listening, thoughtful questions, and a strong understanding of how to keep themselves safe.
Year 5 - NSPCC Workshop: Speak Out, Stay Safe
Date: 26th Mar 2026 @ 8:29am
Today, Year 5 took part in an engaging and informative session delivered by the NSPCC as part of their Speak Out Stay Safe programme. The visit aimed to help children understand their rights, recognise when something doesn’t feel safe, and learn how to speak out if they ever feel worried or unsure.
During the session, pupils explored what safety means—both online and offline—and discussed the importance of trusted adults who can help when something is wrong. The NSPCC team used age‑appropriate videos, scenarios, and discussions to explain different types of harm and emphasised that every child has the right to feel safe, valued, and listened to.
A key message throughout was that children should never feel alone with their worries. The presenters highlighted practical ways to seek help, including talking to a trusted adult at home or school, and introduced Childline as a confidential resource available whenever children need support.
The session was highly interactive, empowering pupils with the knowledge and confidence to recognise unsafe situations and speak out. Year 5 responded thoughtfully throughout, demonstrating strong awareness and empathy. The visit reinforced our school’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding and helped ensure that every child knows how to stay safe and where to turn for help.
Date: 26th Mar 2026 @ 8:28am
In today’s lesson, In today’s R.E lesson, we explored the importance of Holy Week and why it is such a significant time for Christians. We learned that Holy Week remembers the final days of Jesus’ life, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter Sunday, when Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead.
The children looked closely at two important symbols connected to Holy Week and Easter:
The Cross – We discussed how the cross reminds Christians of Jesus’ sacrifice and his love for others.
Easter Eggs – We explored how eggs symbolise new life and hope, linking to Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The children then worked in groups to sequence the Easter story using picture cards, putting the key events—such as the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection—into the correct order. They showed great teamwork and understanding in explaining what each picture represented.
By the end of the lesson, the children had a deeper understanding of why Holy Week is meaningful to Christians and how its symbols help tell the story of hope, sacrifice, and new beginnings.
Date: 20th Mar 2026 @ 11:31am
This week in PE, the children explored a range of climbing and balancing activities using the indoor apparatus. They practised balancing carefully along benches, climbing up and down the ladders, and swinging safely on the monkey bars. The children also enjoyed jumping off the apparatus, focusing on landing with bent knees to keep themselves safe.
Throughout the session, the children worked on:
Taking turns and waiting patiently for space on the equipment.
Being safe by listening to instructions and using the apparatus correctly .
Helping each other, offering encouragement and support.
Developing gross motor skills, core strength, coordination and confidence
The children showed growing independence and resilience as they challenged themselves, tried new movements, and practised essential physical skills in a fun and engaging way.
Reception- Holly Class Zoo Trip
Date: 20th Mar 2026 @ 10:51am
Holly Class had a fantastic day out at Blackpool Zoo on a warm, sunny spring day. The children were excited to explore the zoo and learn all about the animals and their habitats.
One of the highlights was seeing several adorable babies at the zoo — including a baby elephant, two baby orangutans, and a baby anteater riding on its mummy’s back. The class also enjoyed spotting the lions, tigers, elephants, and giraffes as they walked around the zoo.
Everyone gathered to watch penguin feeding time, which was a big hit! Afterwards, the class headed over to enjoy the fun and impressive sea lion show.
At lunchtime, the children sat together for a picnic at the zoo, chatting about their favourite animals. With lovely warm sunshine and so many exciting things to see, the whole day was great fun for everyone.
"The baby elephant was walking with its' mummy" Tilly- Mae
"The giraffe is very tall" Zara
"The penguins were catching the fish" Olly
"The sea lions were very noisy!" Bonnie
Date: 20th Mar 2026 @ 10:34am
The children have been exploring our Veterinary Surgery role‑play area, where they have been busy tending to poorly and injured animals. They have enjoyed dressing up as vets, nurses and receptionists, using real‑life objects such as bandages, stethoscopes, clipboards and appointment cards to bring their play to life.
As part of the experience, the children have been using new vocabulary linked to the topic such as appointment, patient, injury, treatment, stethoscope. They have been taking turns speaking and listening, especially when deciding what is wrong with an animal and what treatment is needed and have also been answering the phone in role—using set phrases like “How can I help?” or “Would you like to book an appointment?” They worked together taking turns and sharing resources at the same time as learning about a possible future career and how vets help care for animals.
"My dog has hurt his leg- will you fix it for me, please?" Theo
"I am checking the dogs heart- it is beating" Rubie- Louise
"This budgie hurt its' wing...I'm giving it medicine...it needs a bandage" Faith A
Date: 20th Mar 2026 @ 10:28am
Reception enjoyed an exciting and inspiring Science Day, filled with hands‑on exploration and lots of curiosity. The children took part in a special workshop led by our visiting scientist, Rebecca. During the workshop the children took part in a series of fun and engaging experiments designed to help them explore the world around them.
🔌 Exploring Circuits Reception had the chance to investigate simple electrical circuits. Using lights and buzzers, they discovered that electricity only works when everything is connected. There were plenty of smiles as bulbs lit up and buzzers sounded.
🫧 Giant Bubble Making A highlight of the morning was creating giant bubbles—some big enough for the children to stand inside! Reception worked together to make the biggest and strongest bubbles.
Reception had a fantastic Science Day and left eager to keep exploring, asking questions and discovering new things about the world.
Date: 19th Mar 2026 @ 9:23am
Comic Relief in Year 3!
Today, Year 3 had a fantastic time celebrating Comic Relief! The classroom was brighter than ever, with children proudly wearing their favourite red items of clothing—from cosy jumpers and bright T‑shirts to fun accessories. It was wonderful to see everyone joining in and showing their support.
We started the morning with a special Comic Relief assembly, where we learned all about the important work Comic Relief does. The children listened beautifully as we talked about how this special day helps raise money for people who need it most—both here in the UK and around the world.
Why do we have Comic Relief?
Comic Relief was created to use the power of kindness, community, and laughter to help others. The money raised goes towards charities that:
- Support families facing poverty
- Provide safe places for children
- Help improve mental health and wellbeing
- Offer vital support during emergencies
It’s all about making a difference and helping everyone have the opportunity to live a safe, healthy, and happy life.
Year 3 really embraced the spirit of the day. We talked about how even small acts—like wearing something red or making someone smile—can help create big change.
Well done, Year 3, for showing such kindness, enthusiasm, and empathy. You helped make Comic Relief a meaningful and memorable day!
Date: 18th Mar 2026 @ 2:14pm
Acorns have had their own science investigations this afternoon.
We have taken part in our biscuit dunking experiment and counted the number of times we dunked the biscuit, in warm water, cold water and icy water, until they broke.
We explored an exploding volcano. What happens when we add bicarbonate of soda to vinegar? We loved how it became fizzy and bubbled over.
Finally, we explored floating and sinking. We saw that heavy items sank to the bottom of the water and light items floated.
All these fun experiments helped us develop our curiosity, engagement and learning experiences alongside others in an adult led activity.
