St Mary’s CE Primary School
A Wonderful Start to the Final Term!
As we enter the final stretch of the 2026 academic year, our school has been buzzing with energy, learning, and extraordinary achievements. From outdoor adventures to classroom discoveries, our children have truly been living our vision that “ordinary people can choose to be extraordinary.”
Here is a glimpse into what our young people have been up to this month.
In the Classroom
Key Stage 1: Coding, Kindness, and Sacred Spaces
Our younger students have had a wonderfully imaginative term:
Robots & Coding: Imagination met technology this term! Thanks to a very kind donation from Anthony Dawson, KS1 received brand-new Bee-Bots. The children have absolutely loved practicing their coding skills by giving these little robots precise, step-by-step instructions.
Kindness Potions & Plant Protectors: Enjoying the summer sun, the children have been working hard in the outdoor area. They’ve been learning how things grow by planting, and even mixed nature with friendship by creating “kindness potions.” They also made serious pledges as Planet Protectors—promising to recycle, save energy and water, and protect wild plants.
Exploring our Churches: In History and RE, the children have been learning all about church features. They can now confidently spot and explain the significance of stained-glass windows, the font, the altar, and the steeple or tower.
Safety First: KS1 has also begun their essential road safety training this month.
Key Stage 2: Forces, Friendship, and Big Achievements
Our junior class have been equally busy focusing on both academic milestones and personal growth:
Science & Sustainability: KS2 marked their first Great Big Green Day by making sustainability promises to the planet. In the lab, they’ve been investigating the invisible world of magnets and forces.
Water Safety & Wellbeing: Swimming sessions have resumed, with children working toward a water safety qualification. Years 3 and 4 paid close attention during Water Safety Week and also spent time creating “relationship trees,” reflecting on what it takes to build healthy, positive friendships.
Extraordinary Adventures & Lifelong Memories
Braving Howstean Gorge
Years 5 and 6 embarked on their much-anticipated residential trip to Howstean Gorge. Blessed with glorious weather, the children challenged themselves to the absolute limit with abseiling, gorge walking, caving, and tackling the via ferrata. They showed incredible determination, resilience, and team spirit, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Moving Onwards
As our Year 6 students prepare for their transition to high school, they received an important, informative talk from the Smoke-Free Campaign. They also paused for a special milestone: Memories Made photographers visited to take class photos and a whole-school photo. Keep an eye out for our Year 6s in a special upcoming edition of the Burnley Express!
Celebrating Success
House Point Heroes: The KS2 Hufflepuff team won the house point challenge! They were treated to a fantastic afternoon of treats and play at the village park.
Literary Superstar: A massive congratulations to Chloe Elleray, who won the prestigious Young Writers Competition with her story, The Double! Chosen from over 18,000 entries, the judge praised Chloe’s atmospheric, gothic style and her masterful control of suspense. We are incredibly proud of her!
Beyond the Classroom: Clubs & Community
Our extra-curricular schedule has been packed to the brim:
Sports & Play: Cricket, Rounders, Golf, and Darts have been massively popular and full of fun.
PALS & Gardening: Children have been cooking, building with LEGO, and exploring STEM. Meanwhile, Gardening Club took a closer look at the vital roles bugs play in our ecosystem, made bug posters, and propagated spider plant cuttings.
Faith in Motion: The entire school took part in an expressive dance workshop themed around the story of the Good Samaritan. This wonderful experience was kindly funded by the Friends of Newchurch.
A Big Thank You! > Speaking of the Friends of Newchurch, a massive thank you to them for dropping in with ice lollies during the recent warm weather to keep both the children and staff cool!
Looking Forward
As we approach the final weeks of the summer term, we have so much to look forward to:
- Welcoming our new starters at our transition meetings and “Stay and Play” sessions.
- Exciting school trips to the Zoo and FUNDALAND.
- The annual Sports Day and another delicious Cake Sale hosted by the Friends of Newchurch.
- Celebrating our local heritage at the traditional Rushbearing Festival.