Darwen Vale High School

Check out the details below for free local support with job hunting, CV writing, and expanding your skills through the Employment, Skills and Support Hub and the Connect to Work scheme! 💼✨

Our Year 10 Geographers are having a great day out on their field trip study.

📚✨ Blackburn with Darwen Children & Young People's Literature Festival ✨📚

We were delighted on Thursday to welcome a fantastic variety of authors and poets to Darwen Vale High School! 🏫👋

We had the brilliant Adisa the Verbaliser, Donavan Christopher (aka Rappaman), and Hafiza Issa visiting classrooms throughout the day, bringing creativity and inspiration directly to our students. 🎤📝

Meanwhile, the wonderful Christina Gabbitas was in the Main Hall delivering thought-provoking and engaging sessions to our Year 7, 8, and 9 pupils. 💭🎭

Our students responded brilliantly, throwing themselves into the workshops and making the most of every session. We are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm and participation! 🌟👏

A huge congratulations to Harley (Y9)! 🏒

Harley was selected to participate in the 2026 Bradford Bulldogs Ice Hockey Showcase event in Finland.

The showcase identified him as one of the top players in his age group and gave him the opportunity to train and play with international coaches at the world-class training facility, Kisakallio Sports Institute in Finland.

The experience provided valuable insights into his individual progression and advancement into the England National Team programme.

On a daily basis, he had upwards of four hours of ice time, classroom sessions to learn about forward gameplay and strategy, and off-ice conditioning training.

Throughout the trip, the group had team-bonding sessions which included curling, lake swimming, basketball, football, and a twilight BBQ.

This was a key milestone in his sporting journey. Well done, Harley! 🌟

Year 7 and 9 Art creation:
Year 7 pupils have been getting creative by making papier-mâché Jammy Dodger biscuits – a much-loved family favourite! 🍪

Using card construction and papier-mâché techniques, they have produced some fantastic oversized biscuit creations that they will soon be bringing home to show off.

Just one warning... don't try to eat them or dip them in your tea! ☕😂

Well done, Year 7!

Year 9
Year 9 pupils have been exploring the work of illustrator Liz Laribee, using a range of drawing skills and mark-making techniques to create striking celebrity portraits.

We are incredibly proud of the creativity, effort, and attention to detail shown in their work. The finished pieces are absolutely amazing and showcase the fantastic artistic talent within our school!

Save the date! Our 'Darwen Vale Live' event is on Wednesday 15th July. Tickets will be available on Parent Pay next week!

⚽️🎓 NEW Football Trial Date – Manchester ⚽️🎓

Are you ready to take your football and education to the next level?

Join us for our Manchester Football Trial and train alongside some of the region's most talented young players while exploring the opportunity to combine your football development with academic study.

📅 Monday 22nd June
📍 Ordsall Leisure Centre, Craven Drive, Salford, M5 3DJ
⏰ 4:00 - 6:00PM

✅Open to male students aged 15-17 ready to start college this September.
📢 Register your interest today: www.darwen6.com/ssfa

As part of the Football Academy Programme, you'll benefit from:

✔️ High-quality coaching
✔️ Competitive football opportunities
✔️ BTEC Sport studies
✔️ A pathway to develop as both a player and a person

This is more than a trial — it's an opportunity to be part of a programme that supports your ambitions on and off the pitch.

🚨 SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO FREE SCHOOL MEALS (FSM) 🚨

⚠️ These changes will take effect from the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.

The current £7,400 income cap for Universal Credit claimants will be removed, meaning all households receiving Universal Credit will become eligible. Additionally, all previous 'transitional protections' will permanently end.

🔹 Targeted FSM
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less (the existing FSM threshold prior to expansion) will be eligible for Targeted FSM. Pupils eligible under this category will continue to receive free meals and will also attract Pupil Premium and other disadvantage funding for their schools.

🔹 Expanded FSM (New Category)
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings above £7,400 will be entitled to Expanded FSM. This provides meals only and does not attract Pupil Premium funding.

📢 PLEASE NOTE:
Pupils who are currently eligible for FSM, or who have been eligible previously, will no longer be protected under transitional arrangements. All families will be required to submit a new application, as transitional protections will cease at the end of the 2025/26 academic year.

📲 Parents and carers, please scan the QR code on the poster or follow the link below to apply.

👇👇👇

Water Safety

As we approach half term and the prospect of warmer weather, we want to share an important safety message regarding swimming in lakes and quarries to cool off.

While we understand the appeal of these locations, it is essential that our students are aware of the very real dangers they present.

Critical Dangers of Open Water
Cold Water Shock: Even on hot days, deep water remains extremely cold. This can cause an immediate gasp reflex, rapid breathing, and a spike in heart rate, which can lead to drowning within seconds.

Hidden Currents & Depth: Calm surfaces often mask strong undercurrents or sudden drops in depth that can pull you under.

Underwater Hazards: Quarries and lakes often contain hidden debris like sharp rocks, submerged machinery, shopping trolleys, or tangled plants.

Difficult Exits: Steep, crumbling sides or slippery banks can make it nearly impossible to climb out if you get tired or cold.

Water Quality: Disused sites may contain industrial pollution, high alkalinity (causing skin/stomach irritation), or dangerous bacteria and algae.

Top Safety Tips
Float to Live: If you get into trouble, tilt your head back, relax, and float on your back to regain control of your breathing before calling for help.

Swim at Supervised Sites: Only enter water where there are lifeguards present and follow all warning signs.

Bring a Buddy: Never swim alone. Always let someone know your location and expected return time.

Know Your Location: Use tools like the "What3Words" https://what3words.com/pretty.needed.chill app so you can give emergency services your exact location if needed.

In an Emergency
If you see someone in trouble, do not jump in to save them, as you risk becoming a second casualty.

Call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire Service for inland water (lakes/quarries) or the Coastguard for the sea.

Look for public rescue equipment, such as lifebuoys or throw bags, to reach them from land.