

The children gathered at St Mary’s this morning for a memorial service. We united through prayer and reflectful thinking.
As part of our history enquiry, we have enjoyed working as historians researching information about Samuel Pepys and why he is a significant person.
Using a range of sources, including the internet, books and extracts from his diary, we considered how we know about the past, how sources of information help us and how we know if they are factual and can help us. We thought about how Samuel Pepys’ Diary helps us understand what happened during the Great Fire of London and why his diary is an important historical source.
After this, we enjoyed a hot seating activity in which we asked questions and answered in role as Samuel Pepys.
To start off their new history topic, Year 2 enjoyed a drama re-enactment of the Great Fire of London.
They were transported back in time to Sunday 2nd September 1666 and to London where they had the challenge of putting out the fire. However, by the time they had got water from the River Thames the fire had spread!
They had great fun learning why the fire started and how hard it was to stop it spreading. They also considered the problems that people faced at the time.
Year 2 have made a wonderful start to the new school year.
They have been working very hard and look forward to sharing their learning with you. Keep a look out here for photos and information about the exciting learning adventures that they have had!
Mrs Thomas and Mrs Williams
Year 3 performed this year’s Harvest service. It was based on the of ‘The Enormous Turnip’ by Irene Yates. The moral of the story is importance and eventual victory of teamwork and unity. It explained how you can reap the rewards of your hard work. The story also focused on responsibility. This year, St Mary’s sponsored Oldham Foodbank. Each class collected donations including tins and packet food in order to support those less fortunate than ourselves.
Mother Katy and Father Josh lead a wonderful School Eucharist this morning in church. The pupils were very respectful and listened to the key messages. Joyous singing from all those in church.
Year 6 class of 2023 spent the morning at Manchester Cathedral today. They were joined by other Year 6 children from across the diocese to celebrate and give thanks for the many happy years of primary school life and love that they have had. We would like to thank Mother Katy for joining us for this special occasion and leading us in giving praise.
Year 5 visited the Sikh Gurdwara in Manchester. They enjoyed learning about the Sikh faith, listening to Sikh music and hearing a reading from the Sikh holy book- The Guru Granth Sahib.
As part of our learning on why the church is such a special place, Year 2 enjoyed a recent visit to St Mary’s Church.
We were very grateful to Mother Beck for showing us round and explaining the different furniture, artefacts, vestments and services.
We enjoyed a sensory exploration of the church, carefully reflecting on what we could see as we took in the interesting details in features such as the stained glass and carvings in the pulpit and lectern.
Following this, we considered connections between the furniture and objects in the church to familiar bible stories.
The children have researched, designed and made cushions for their DT project.
Here are some extracts from the Viking dance that was created with a professional dance coach and really enhanced the Viking topic. When the dance was completed, the class performed it for Year 4.
The children enjoyed the visit from a ‘Viking’ as part of the History topic ‘Were the Vikings really vicious?’
They learned how the Vikings were traders, raiders, crafters, farmers and settlers by participating in activities, listening to stories and asking questions.
Year 2 have had a great time investigating different types puppets from all around the world. They watched video clips of puppets being used as a ventriloquist act or in a TV show and then looked at pictures and some real life puppets, carefully exploring each one. They considered what type of puppet is was and how it is made. This helped them gather ideas for designing their own puppets and they now can’t wait to make them and see their finished products come to life!
As part of their learning on why the church is a special place for Christians and peaceful places to talk to God, Year 2 enjoyed writing their own prayers and special messages to God in their very own tabernacle! They ensured that the lamp kept burning throughout the day as a symbol of the presence of God.
Year 2 enjoyed a wonderful and calming Circle Time today led by Father Paul and Mother Beck. We considered how God ‘holds us’ in the light of Jesus and no matter what we are going though or what tough times we face, God is always with us, through the good times and the bad.
Lots of dancing and games were enjoyed.
What fun we had!
Here Ye! Here Ye! Bethlehem is about to get rather busy!
Year 1 and 2 really enjoyed performing their nativity story ‘Bethlehem B&B’, a story that is one that you will know all too… well, sort of!
Year 2 had great fun taking part in a workshop. They explored the lives, times and achievements of Christopher Columbus and Neil Armstrong, and learnt about the similarities between these two significant explorers and the ways in which they have made a global difference. They considered the significance and consequences of their voyages.
They became time travellers, taking imaginary journeys back to the 15th Century and then to the 20th Century, embarking on a voyage heading west across the ocean ,and also launched into Space on board Apollo 11. They thought about the qualities that the two explorers would have been needed and agreed that they would have been brave, clever, strong, imaginative, adventurous and determined.
They also enjoyed discovering these two explorers and their significant voyages on our large school timeline!
Year 5 led our Christmas Carol service this year. The service focused on ‘Home for Christmas’ taking the theme of ‘No room at the inn’. It contrasted the bustling commercialism of a modern Christmas with the plight of homelessness.
Through God’s love and our Christian Values, we encourage each individual to love, respect and value God, themselves and others. The message, “Love one another as Jesus loved us” (John 13 v 34-35) was powerfully conveyed through the production.
The children had a great time rehearsing for the production and both parents and staff alike commented on the success. All pupils in Year 5 spoke clearly and presented themselves with confidence.
Dear Parents/Carers, Please find the below spellings for Year Three:
AutumnSpellingsY3SpringY3spellings
SummerY3spellings
Article by Harriet Cook, Year 6…ORANGUTANS FACE EXTINCTION
Pupils and staff have been thinking about our mental health as part of World Mental Health Day. Please see the video and presentation below for more information on how you can find help and support others.
05 Talking Mental Health Assembly PowerpointYear 4 had a fantastic time at Castleshaw learning about the Romans in our local area. We looked at different Roman artefacts, learnt about the Roman army and tried out some different formations and also explored the Roman fort.
Today, the children were welcomed across to St Mary’s Church to take part in our ‘Experience Harvest’ event. There were five interactive stations where the children were encouraged to reflect upon the harvests of the sea, the garden, the grain, the flock and the earth. They had the opportunity to create a clay pinch pot, and an origami boat and work together to create a weave. Throughout the activities, the children thought about what we could learn from the harvest. For example: being patient like the farmers waiting for the perfect time to harvest their crops. We also thought about how we could be faithful to God, show humility to others (by putting their needs first) be joyful givers and be generous to those in need. Above all, the children learnt about being thankful for all that God has given us and learnt how to fill ourselves with peace. It was a truly lovely day.
Arrival at school
The gates to the playground open at 8.40am. Children should arrive punctually between 8.45am and 8.55am. Children will be supervised on the playground from 8.50am and then asked to enter school through the Reception, Key Stage 1 or 2 entrances at 8:55am.
Morning Session:
KS 1 and KS 2 9:00 – 12:00
School starts at 9:00am. Please ensure your child is in their classroom before the door is closed at 9.00am. If your child is late, please take them to the main office and sign them in. If your child is ill, please inform the school office before 9.30am.
Morning breaktime
10:25 – 10: 40am – KS 1
10: 40- 10:55am – KS 2
Lunchtime
KS1 12.00- 1.30pm KS2 12.00- 1.00pm
Afternoon Session
1:30 – 3:30pm KS 1 1:00 – 3:30pm KS 2
Afternoon breaktime
2:35 – 2: 50pm – KS 1
2:15 – 2: 30pm – KS 2
Children should be picked up from their classroom door.
If you are going to be late picking your child up please ensure you contact the school office
as soon as possible so the teacher can be informed. If your child has not been picked up by 3.40pm they will be brought to the school office to be collected.
We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded the Gold School Games Mark for our commitment to sport and keeping our children active! A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us and helped us to achieve this award!
This years Easter service was led by Year 4. The key messages explored through this years service were faith, perseverance and compassion. With consideration to the powerful messages delivered in the Bible at Easter, the children re-enacted the Easter story providing key messages to their peers, families and the community.
As part of their learning on Judaism, Year 3 visited the Manchester Jewish Museum. During the workshop, they enjoyed the opportunity to look around and learn lots about the different parts of a synagogue. They also enjoyed a detective themed scavenger hunt around the museum and handled many interesting artefacts to help them learn about the Sabbath, the Torah and the Ten Commandments.
Year 1 had a wonderful time visiting Blackpool Zoo recently.