SPECIAL EVENTS

Summer 2025: Skateboarding special

This half term, we celebrated our golden day with some skateboarding and scooting!  All of our children got a chance to try out an 'extreme sport' with a qualified instructor.  We had great fun balancing, gliding and even learning some tricks as the photos below show.  It was wonderful to see so many children enthused and engaged in something totally new!

Barrowford St Thomas' Goes Wild: Spring 2025

We were wowed, fascinated and, at times, terrified by our animal visitors in school.  This was an amazing way to end another terrific term.  We had minibeast hunts, fact files, an EYFS jungle exploration and of course an animal expert with live animals for us to see, learn about and handle.  Check out the images below to show some of the fun we had in KS1 and KS2.

Our EYFS got involved too!

Our Rootin' Tootin' Country & Western Day: Spring 2025

We had an amazing day of country and western music, line dancing and themed activities in our school.  With a special visit from the Lancashire Music Service's 'Music Bus' and expert coaching from Sanderson's Dance, a fabulous time was had by all the cowboys and cowgirls here at St Thomas'.  What a super way to finish another excellent half term of laughter, love and learning.  Check out the photos and videos below.  Yee-hah!

The Snow Ball: autumn 2024

We all had a fantastic time at the Snow Ball!  The hall was transformed using lights, music and an actual snow machine!  Games were played and prizes won as we danced the night away!  Check out the photos below for highlights plus a video of our KS2 children talking on the limbo!

Volunteer Day: autumn 2024

We are extremely grateful for the team from BT/EE telecoms who gave up a full day to support school with a gardening project.  They have cleaned, weeded cleared and prepared our school grounds ready for the children to use in the spring.  Thanks for all of your help!

Great Lancashire Debate Finals: autumn 2024

Our Year 5 debate team were selected as winners for Pendle in this year's Great Lancashire Debate.  They attended the grand final at County Hall in Preston.  Although they were not chosen as overall winners, the group did amazingly well and really enjoyed the experience.  Please follow this link to access the press release for the day: https://news.lancashire.gov.uk/news/congratulations-to-the-winners-of-the-great-lancashire-debate

Official photographs are on their way but for now, check out the photographs below.

Space Day: autumn 2024

We have had an 'out of this world' time during our space-themed Golden Day at the end of autumn 1 term.  From planetariums and rocket science to posters and cookies it has been exciting, creative and fun for all.  Pictures of the highlights are coming.  Watch this 'space'...

Educational Visits: autumn 2023

Thus far this half term, Class 2 have completed a local studies walk within our village.

Class 3 have been on a Stone Age experience at Brockholes Nature Reserve near Preston.

For further information and photos, please visit the class sites.

Educational Visits: autumn 2023

Thus far, this term Class 2 have walked into Barrowford and visited Pendle Heritage Centre as part of their local history topic; they have also visited Gawthorpe Hall to experience a Victorian Christmas.

Class 4 have visited Blackburn museum for a World War 2 experience 

All of KS2 visited Bolton Octagon Theatre.

For further information and photos, please visit the class sites.

Job Fair: December 2023

For the very first time, we organised a job fair for all our pupils in Years 5 and 6. We wanted to open our pupils' eyes to the range of possibilities that were out there. We asked our parents if they would be willing to share what they do, to talk about what led them to their job, what is great about their job and what qualifications they needed. We were overwhelmed with the response. Not only did we welcome a range of parents with a range of jobs, we also welcomed lecturers and students from Burnley College. Here is the range of jobs represented:

• Burnley College for careers in the police, armed forces, prison service, fire service, health, science and education
• University lecturer with a social worker background and a focus on mental health
• Social worker
• Product manager for the Coop
• Police
• Fire Service
• Vets/Veterinary Pathologist
• Medical device industry (i.e. pacemkaers, stents)
• Buyer for sport/fashion shoe retailer
• Financial adviser
• Physiotherapist
• Construction Director
• Teaching

The children were fully engaged with the fair. They went from one parent to another with their clipboards, asking very intelligent questions. A huge success and an event we will definitely repeat.

Singing Group at Pendle Community Hospital: December 2023

Our Singing group were invited to sing Christmas songs and carols at Pendle Community Hospital. We sang in three different wards for the patients. I was very proud of all the children and hopefully we brought some Christmas spirit into the hospital this season.

Our Infant Nativity December 2023: 'The Inn-spectors' 

Congratulations to all of Class 2 and Class 1 who performed 'The Inn-spectors' so beautifully in church. This was a much longer performance than in previous years, so that had a lot to learn. However, they acted, sang and danced so well. 

Visit from the author Brian Beresford: December 2023

We were pleased to welcome back a former headteacher of Barrowford St Thomas and author, Brian Beresford. He shared his story 'Silly Island' with the children. 

Bolton Octagon Theatre Visit: December 2023

All our KS2 pupils thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the Bolton Octagon Theatre in  to watch 'Around the World in 80 days'. At Barrowford St Thomas, we believe that all our pupils should have the opportunity to watch a professional theatrical production in a professional theatre, especially a production that includes live music. All the actors were also musicians and played various instruments throughout the show. 

The Snow Queen: November 2023

All our infants enjoyed a professional re-telling of 'The Snow Queen' by a professional touring company. Our KS1 children have also been studying this book in their literacy lessons. A wonderful Christmassy time had by all!

Scholastic Book Fair: November 2023

Our Scholastic Book Fair was well supported and we raised £229.30 in commission to spend on books for school. Thank you to everyone who came to the fair and bought a book. 

Anti-Bullying Week and Odd Socks Day November 2023

The week beginning 13th November is Anti-bullying week.

This year’s theme was: MAKE A NOISE ABOUT BULLYING

As alwyas, we started our anti-bullying week with 'Odd Socks Day'. It was a great way to celebrate what makes us all unique. Below are some photos of our children during 'Odd Socks Day'!

Remembrance Sunday November 2023

On Sunday 12th November, our headboy, headgirl and prefects represented our school. They laid a wreath at Barrowford Memorial Park as part of Remembrance Sunday's memorial service at 12 noon. 

In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday we sold poppy themed items in school including the ever popular snap bands! We raised £182.02 for the Royal British Legion

Visit from the Bethany Project: October 2023

Three years ago, we welcomed members of the Bethany Project into school. We were delighted that they visited us once again on Monday 30^th October during our afternoon worship. Three pupils and their headteacher plus the UK coordinator, Graham spent almost an hour with us. They sang songs, told their stories and told us what life was like in the Bethany children’s home and school.  They also showed us how they can carry a bucket of water on their head. Mrs White tried it and REALLY struggled. It is so difficult! The children asked lots of thoughtful questions and our children chose to come out and pray for them. The coordinator Graham said that having visited over 40 schools, we were the first school to pray for them, so that was really special. It is likely that our school council will discuss how find ways to raise money to support the Bethany Project moving forwards.

Music Concert: October 2023

All the children who have music lesson in school, either learning the violin, keyboard, guitar or piano performed for parents and the children during an afternoon music concert. From pupils who had only had a few lessons to those who were more experienced, everyone had a go. All children were extremely brave and we were thoroughly entertained!

The Great Lancashire Debate: October 2023

As a school, especially with our focus on improving Oracy we entered the Great Lancashire Debate. We were absolutely delighted that we were the winners for Pendle. Although we didn't get through to the grand final we are so proud of our children. What a great start to our focus on Oracy!

National Poetry Day: October 2023

As part of our focus on oracy we ensured that all our children had the opportunity to memorise and perform an age-appropriate poem either as a cohort, in a small group or as an individual on National Poetry Day. We had some wonderful performances which were full of expression. Have a listen.

Harvest Festival: October 2023

Thank you so much for all the wonderful gifts sent in for our annual Harvest Festival. All of these gifts will be donated to the Pendle Food Club and Safenet Women’s refuge. Our Worship Group and Singing Group also helped to lead our worship in church. 

Sponsored running event: October 2023

We invited all our pupils to take part in a sponsored running event on our new running track. We were overwhelmed by the response and managed to raise £1999.50! This is an incredible amount of money and will be used to help fund the above and beyond curriculum activities in school. For example, the science show, a professional theatrical performance in school for our infants, a lego STEM workshop fo Class 4, paying for the transport to Bolton Octagon Theatre for the whole of KS2, a planetarium in school for Class 4 and a visiting author for all pupils. 

Science Show: September 2023

All our KS2 children enjoyed an amazing science show during the afternoon. Adrian Bowden who has been to our school many times, led a ‘Fantastic Forces’ science show; this was particularly planned for Class 3 who were studying forces and magnets in science (linked to the Iron Man) but we also included Class 4. Mr Bowden is an excellent presenter and teacher.  We are linked to him through the Ogden Trust Partnership. 

A visit from our MP, the Right Hon Andrew Stephenson: September 2023

We were delighted to welcome Andrew Stephenson MP into our school in September. He toured the school and then presented our headboy, headgirl, prefects and school council with their badges. 

Prayer Space Day: July 2023

It was such a wonderful day, Prayer Space Day. So many activities and ways to pray from saying the Lord's Prayer with a parachute, or learning it in sign language to making a light house. Thank you to our staff, Revd Julie, governors and volunteers who helped to make the day the memorable day that it was.

A skittle prayer

Saying 'The Lord's Prayer' in British Sign Language

'The Lord's Prayer' with a parachute!

End of KS2 Production 2023: Pirates of the Curry Bean

Shiver mi timbers - what a fantastic production by our Year 5 and in particular Year 6 pupils. It was a long show - over an hour, yet they never took a prompt and sung their little hearts out. They danced too. And oh my goodness, how we laughed. Well done!

Sports Day: July 2023

Another great day of good teamwork and children competing against each other. All children wanted to do well but also encouraged each other. We also enjoyed using our running track for the first time. The weather was kind and the parents all enjoyed it. Good day.

Y6 to Winmarleigh

A great time was had by all our Year 6 pupils for their 4 night stay at Winmarleigh PGL. The big swing of course is always a favourite! Thank you to Mrs White and Mrs Lahey who went with the children this year whilst Mr Haines was on paternity leave.

Singing Group Performance: An Old Time Music Hall

I was  SO impressed with the children who took part in this performance. We have been learning the songs for a Victorian style Old Time Music Hall from September in our after-school singing club. Along the way, some children left the group, but we were left with 16 enthusiastic and talented children aged from Year 3 to Year 6 who fully engaged with the concept. We added movement, costumes, comedy and sketches. Parents were fully involved and came up to take part in Old McDuckworth's farm (hilarious), Chick chick chick chick chicken and the Lambeth Walk. They even joined in with the singing of 'Down at the Old Bull and Bush' at the end. The children got a well deserved standing ovation. I was SO proud of them.

This is some of the feedback received from a parent...

I just wanted to email you to say WOW and a big WELL DONE to you all. The huge amount of work you have put in was obvious for all to see and the audience were kept entertained from start to finish. The children watching the production must get a mention too, fantastic behaviour! Thank you

Below are a couple of videos and some images. If you want to see more videos go to our 'singing group' page in Extra-curricular activities (here)

Visiting author: Brian Beresford

Brian is a former headteacher of Barrowford St Thomas. He is now an author and offered a free session to share his book, plus share some music (he is a good pianist). He was great and the children from Y2 to Y6 were fully engaged for an hour. 

The Grand Opening of our running track: May 2023

Having received £10K from Northstone and Peel L and P, plus £1000 from our PTFA FOSTS, we have managed to build a new running track on our school field. Our field has always been too wet and muddy to use throughout the year, so we are delighted that our children can now access this space in all weathers throughout the year to improve their fitness - and have fun! We had a grand opening ceremony on Friday 12th May, a super way to celebrate the end of SATs week! The running track was opened by our MP, The Right Honourable Andrew Stephenson. Following a competition, the track was named 'The Right Track' by our Year 2 winner, Sienna. As Sienna said,  all the students in St Thomas including herself are on the right track in their education. It is important to exercise, to keep healthy and fit and that will happen if you are on the right track! Well done Sienna. Each year group ran around the track to their chosen piece of music. We also invited staff and pupils from Barrowford Primary who we hope will also be able to use our track and leaders of the uniformed organisations from our church who we hope will use the track in the evenings and at weekends. We want our track to be enjoyed by the community, not just by us. The afternoon ended with all staff and children enjoying an ice-cream, again paid for by Northstone and Peel L and P. Thank you!

Red, white and blue day - celebrating the King's coronation: May 2023

On Friday we organised a special day to celebrate King Charles III Coronation. We learnt all about the coronation and the coronation regalia. We dressed in red, white and blue and enjoyed a lot of artistic activities. We even enjoyed a special coronation dinner.

Pendle Music Service: April 2023

We were delighted to welcome members of Pendle Music Service into school. They played a variety of instruments for the children and encouraged them to start music lessons.

Egg decorating competition: March 2023

We were overwhelmed, as always with the standard and creativity of the entrants for our egg decorating competition. Well done to our worthy winners who all received 'The Real Easter Egg'. Thank you to Mrs Bleasdale, one of our parent governors, who had the hard job of judging all of them! 

Easter Service: March 2023

All the school went over to church for our Easter Service. Thank you Revd Julie for leading it, alongside our headboy and headgirl who did the reading, our singing group who sang 'Once Again' so beautifully and our worship group who wrote their own prayers for the service.

Class 1 spring play: Tickle my Prickles: March 2023

Parents and the school thoroughly enjoyed Class 1's performance of their spring play 'Tickle my Prickles' where a hedgehog, upon waking from hibernation meets the daffodils, lambs, ducks and chicks, frogs, rabbits and a girl hedgehog. Wonderful acting and singing from our youngest children. Well done everyone. Parents and grandparents thoroughly enjoyed the performance and also enjoyed hot-cross buns and a cup of tea!

Sign Language Week: March 2023

As part of Sign Language week, our school (classes 2, 3 and 4) took part in the UK's largest British Sign Language Lesson. The children are really enjoying learning sign language and from the summer term, we will be offering an after-school sign language club led by Miss Crawford who has passed her Level 1 and 2 training with ‘Signature’ British Sign Language Awarding Body.

World Book Day: March 2023

Our celebration of World Book Day is always enjoyable; we spent the day focusing on books and stories and we enjoyed seeing the children dress up as their favourite characters. All the children brought in their favourite book to share with their class.

Ash Wednesday: February 2023

We were pleased to return to church for our Ash Wednesday Service Most children and staff chose to have ash on their forehead. Revd Julie led the service and helped the children understand the importance of this special service.

Football champions 2022-23!

A tremendous well done to our fabulous Y6 football team who have finished their season as joint winners of the 2022-23 CVL 'Legends'.  The boys also won the penalty shootout competition too.  A terrific performance from each and every one of them!

Chinese New Year Golden Day: February 2023

This was a great day. All the children focused on Chinese New Year. As part of this they all participated in a Music Service Chinese music and drumming workshop which also included a Chinese Dragon. One parent sent me an email to say that her son had said it was the best day ever and thanked us for organising this special day. Lovely to hear. 

Carol Service: December 2022

Well done to our Year 6 pupils, our worship group and our singing group who led our Carol Service in St Thomas' church so beautifully.

Diversity Day: October 2022

On the last day of the first half term we held a Diversity Day in school. 

As part of this special day we invited ‘Grandad Wheels’ to come to our school. ‘Grandad Wheels’, Brian Abram is an author. During his visit to school he read his funny stories to all our children. In Brian’s books, he tells hilarious stories of his silly adventures with his grandson. His books aim to show that anyone in a wheelchair can have fun and be fun to be with. Brian is a full-time wheelchair user and he talked to the children about what it is like to be disabled. 

In addition to ‘Grandad Wheels’, our very own Miss Crawford taught the children some sign language as she is currently studying sign language outside of school and gaining a qualification. 

All our pupils to came to school in non-uniform  and had CRAZY HAIR to show that we are all different, unique and special.

Clog Dancing: October 2022

Again, as part of Class 4's autumn 1 topic, 'Trouble at t'mill' we had a fantastic morning learning a traditional Lancashire Clog dance. We were taught by Jenny Reeves, a Lancashire based Dance Artist. The children loved it! Also Jenny was extremely complimentary. This is what she said.

'WOW weren’t they brilliant! The class picked up the clogging faster than any class I have EVER taught, and I have done this a great deal. I hope you are really pleased and I hope the children got a lot out of the day. We talked a lot about how Scottish and Irish traditions are remembered and Lancashire not so much and there were a few children who are going to go home and ask for a pair of clogs so I’m thrilled to bits.'

Well done Class 4

Y6 Benchball success

Members of our Y6 cohort competed against 12 other schools as part of a Pendle Sports Partnership after school event at Pendle Vale. Our children were great competitors and won all of their matches. Well done!

Folk Singer in Class 4: October 2022

As part of Class 4's autumn 1 topic, we were lucky enough to be visited by Richard Moss a local folk musician.  Richard performed some traditional songs from the Mills, helped us to unpick the meanings behind some of the lyrics and encouraged us to join in with a good old sing song!  Please take a look at the photos and especially the videos on Class 4's page.

SPECIAL EVENTS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS 

Good to remember!

Platinum Jubilee event

When we returned after our extended half-term holiday, we had our special Jubilee celebrations in school. For three days we learnt all about the Queen, her history and the importance of the Platinum Jubilee. Our whole-school project culminated with a whole-school 'street' party on our back yard. We ate a special party tea, sang the National Anthem, waved the Union Flag and watched our Reception class act out the Queen's coronation.

Groundforce Morning

On Saturday morning, 23rd April, a group of parents (organised by FOSTS) and the headteacher came into school to start planting trees and a hawthorn hedge as we begin to prepare our new Forest Schools area. FOSTS are currently fund-raising and we look forward to being able to use our Forest School Area next academic year. Thank you to everyone who came and offered their support on a Saturday morning.

Blue and Yellow day: In support of Ukraine and refugees

We held a blue and yellow day on Monday 21^st March to show our support for Ukraine. We focused on the plight of the refugees especially children who are refugees. We made it clear to children that there are refugees from all over the world who are fleeing dangerous situations. All the children were given a piece of blue and yellow ribbon on which to write or just say prayers to hang in our outdoor prayer space. In our after-school art and textile club, the children created blue and yellow bunting. Parents were invited to make contributions to the Ukraine Disasters appeal or to Save the Children.

Class 4 Sponsored Silence:

Class 4 completed a sponsored silence on the morning of Friday 16th March to raise money jointly for the Rainforest Trust and for UNICEF in support of children displaced by conflict.  They raised an incredible £755.50 which we have split between these two excellent causes.  As part of our silence, we even completed a silent play time!  Take a look at the video below:

Visit of the Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire: February 2022

On 24th February, we were delighted to be visited by the Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire. He came in to speak to all our children about the Queen and her Platinum Jubilee. After worship, a group of children (a representative from every year group) went outside with the Deputy Lieutenant to plant a tree to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

Learning about money: A day with HSBC bank

Denise Postlethwaite from HSBC bank spent a day in our school talking to all classes about managing and understanding money (in an age-appropriate way). For example, in KS1, Mrs Postlethwaite read the children a modern fairy-tale about how Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel learnt how to earn and spend money wisely. The children looked at and sorted out different coins and even learnt that notes have braille on them to help blind people recognise them easily. The children  were also introduced to new vocabulary related to spending and borrowing money.

Red White and Blue Day: February 2022

On February 6th, Queen Elizabeth became the first British monarch to reach a platinum jubilee - 70 years on the throne.

On Friday 11th February, we celebrated by having a special 'red, white and blue' day.

Our children were encouraged to come to school on the day, dressed as a monarch, or they could come to school wearing red, white and blue. FOSTS also provided a cake for every child to enjoy.

It was a day full of fun and learning, with a major focus on history, English and mathematics.

Filming a tour of our school December 2021

Our headboy and headgirl have had a great time with a professional film crew, filming a virtual tour of our school, as one of our parents is a TV producer.  

On our home page is the completed video tour - enjoy!

Barrowford Treasure Trail

10 of our Y5 pupils were involved in creating a Treasure Trail of Barrowford Village alongside pupils from Barrowford Primary School. To begin with, our Y5 pupils visited Downham Village to trial a Treasure Trail which has already been written. They then visited Barrowford Village on a few occasions alongside our staff to plan a Treasure Trail for our own town. The Treasure Trail has now been completed and is available in school and in Barrowford's Tourist information. Well done to all!