10 hours ago
Posted on 06th Nov 2026 by Miss Othen

❤️🩺 Year 6 Get Hands-On with Heart Science! 🔬

Today, Year 6 enjoyed an unforgettable science lesson as Headteacher, Mr Larkham stepped back into his science roots! 🥼✨

Donning a lab coat, Mr Larkham led the children through a real sheep’s heart & lung dissection as part of their learning about the circulatory system. ❤️

This was hands-on learning at its very best: pupils explored the different parts of the heart, examined how it works, and were amazed to discover just how large the aorta really is… the circulation knowledge is sure to stick when you get to push your finger through the aorta!🫀

The curiosity shown by our Year 6 scientists were wonderful to see. 🌟🔍

At our school, we believe that rich experiences and a creative curriculum help children develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. 💡🎓

Well done, Year 6! We may have a few future doctors, scientists and veterinarians in the making!

Yesterday
Posted on 05th Nov 2026 by Miss Othen

Headteacher Message

Dear Families,

Welcome back to Autumn 2! It’s only been 4 days but I already feel like we are properly up and running again. The 2 week break has refreshed and rejuvenated everyone and I have been so very impressed with the positive attitude and cheerful attitude of everyone this week.

We’ve already had a Greek Day in Year 5 with dozens of excellent costumes, sporting fixtures and I had a fun morning with Year 6 today getting my hands dirty (literally) with a heart & lung dissection.

This half-term is always incredibly busy, so please keep an eye on the website calendar for important dates, including: nativities (week of 7th December) and parent / carer consultation evenings (next week).

There is also our annual parent & carer survey opening on Monday: we value feedback immensely, so please do fill out your surveys and tell us what you think.

Finally, I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at tonight’s Family Bingo – who will win the LUXURY HT Teatime at House Coffee?

Have a lovely weekend!

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

Yesterday
Posted on 05th Nov 2026 by Miss Othen

What’s on next week?

Tuesday

Yr 5 & 6 Author Event

Badgers Trip (morning) to Shrewsbury Museum for Nursery Rhyme Week

Miss Cox & Miss Lucas Parent’s Evening

Wednesday

Foxes Trip (morning) to Shrewsbury Museum for Nursery Rhyme Week

School Food Roadshow for Year 2 pupils and their families!

(We would love to see lots of Year 2 Parents & Grandparents. Turn up for a 2:00pm show in the school hall. You won’t want to miss it!)

Scootability sessions for Yr 1 in school

Parents Evening

Thursday

Parents Evening

Yesterday
Posted on 05th Nov 2026 by Miss Othen

Remembrance Service

School Councillors had a special opportunity to attend a Remembrance Ceremony at Longden Road Cemetery alongside the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, The Royal British Legion, Shrewsbury Town Council, and the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Bernie Bentick.

The children spent time exploring the Commonwealth War Graves and learning about the brave soldiers who are buried there. They were surprised to discover that many of the servicemen had come from different parts of the world and were laid to rest far away from their homes and families. It helped us all to understand why Remembrance is so important.

One of the highlights was chatting with ex-serviceman, who shared stories about the countries they had served in during their military career. We learned about the important role of the bugle in military regiments where different bugle calls were used throughout the day to signal duties, meal times, and other activities.

It was a moving experience that helped bring history to life and reminded us of the sacrifices made by so many people to protect our freedoms today.

Lest We Forget. 🌺

2 days ago
Posted on 04th Nov 2026 by Miss Othen

Visiting Live Band!

It was great to have the Shropshire Music Live Band visit us! They played and sang a range of music from Opera, Folk, Rock and Modern and we all joined in with some Scat singing, a form of jazz improvisation where we used nonsense syllables instead of traditional lyrics. We were all inspired by the musicians and range of instruments.

3 days ago
Posted on 03rd Nov 2026 by Miss Othen

Mrs Porret’s Choir Club- Christmas Events 2026

FOR MRS PORRET’S AFTER SCHOOL CHOIR CLUB PUPILS ONLY

Dear Parents/Carers,

Please find a list of events that your child will be participating in with Mrs Porrett and Coleham Voices Choir.

Friday 11th December – Performance at St. Alkmund’s Church

We have been invited to take part in a prestigious Christmas concert at St. Alkmund’s in town with Shrewsbury’s Phoenix Singers. This is always a very special Christmas concert and this year; as well as having our own slot, we will be singing two songs with the brilliant Phoenix Singers! We are so fortunate to be given this exceptional opportunity to sing with trained classical singers.

Your child will need to be dropped off at St Alkmunds Church at 4.50pm for a rehearsal with the choir. The concert starts at 6pm and will last about an hour. The children need to be in smart school uniform.

We will assume your child is attending. If your child will NOT BE attending this event please can you let Mrs P know by emailing domenica.porrett@col.318education.co.uk

You are welcome to attend the concert or collect afterwards at 6:00pm.

Every child has 1 ACCOMPANYING ADULT ENTER FOR FREE.

The Phoenix Singers have given Coleham families discounted tickets for additional family members.

Tickets are available to purchase through Arbor School Shop ahead of the concert.

Additional tickets for family members are £5 (50% discount)

Tickets purchased on the door cost £10.

Please note no actual tickets are provided but a list of ticket sales will be provided to the organisers for the entrance.

The Phoenix Singers

Tuesday 15th December -Hickory’s Restaurant

We will rehearse after school as usual and then walk to Hickory’s restaurant. We will sing from 5pm. Our singing slot will be approx. 25mins. (Families have previously had a drink in the bar or stayed behind afterwards for a meal)

The children should wear school uniform and Christmas hats/accessories if they would like too.

We will hand over your child to you or another adult collecting at around 5.30pm.

We will assume that all children not collected from school on that day will be coming along to Hickory’s with Mrs Porrett and school staff.

Tuesday 5^th Jan 2027 YOUNG VOICES – Birmingham BP Pulse Live Arena

If you haven’t booked audience family tickets for Young Voices yet, here’s the link:

(Please note that families sit in a different area of the arena but there is no obligation for families to attend) Please note that children will be coming home on the school bus as we won’t be able to hand children over to parents at this very large venue.

https://yvmusicroom.com/auth/parent/journey/welcome

Ticket sales for families will close this Sunday, 8 November. After this time, any remaining tickets will be available through the arena box office at an increased price.

From the Music Room, you will receive up-to-date information directly from Young Voices. Do encourage and support your child to use the ‘music room’ – this is where all the songs and lyric videos are.

Singing and practising at home is essential!

You can also purchase a concert pack from the Music Room link above which includes a Young Voices white T-shirt and Lanyard. If you don’t want to purchase this, your child can wear any white top/t-shirt of their own.

Coach details – Transport has been arranged for our trip to Birmingham. The cost for this is £23. Payment for this is through Arbor. School have paid for the venue cost.

A letter with finer details for the big day will be sent to you at the beginning of December

Thank you to everyone for your excellent enthusiasm and commitment this term. LOTS of wonderful singing!

Mrs Porrett

Music Teacher

1 week ago
Posted on 30th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

E-Safety Newsletter – November 2026

This months Newsletter focuses on the dangers of Online grooming and advice for parental controls.

Give it a read below

PDF publication card – previewOnline Safety Newsletter Primary November 2026Open PDF document

2 weeks ago
Posted on 20th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

National recognition!

We are delighted to learn that Coleham has been recognised for a 2026 Edurio Education Choice Award which recognise excellence in education based on feedback from staff 🎉

Staff survey data ranked Coleham in the Top Ten for being a great place to work as recognised by the staff.

Staff will always be a school’s greatest asset so we’re thrilled that our staff enjoy our workplace, its a special place!

We want to celebrate our dedicated staff team of 60 wonderful individuals who show up for so many, every day, by caring for our school community ❤️ and delivering a Creative Curriculum🎨🎭🏏🎵. It’s been an incredible start to the new school year and we’re so lucky to belong to such a kind and supportive team.

3 weeks ago
Posted on 16th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

🏛️ Year 4’s Roman Finale!

To celebrate the end of their Roman topic, Year 4 transformed Coleham into a bustling corner of Roman Britain! Dressed in Roman costume, the children experienced life as Romans, taking part in legionary combat training, creating mosaic art and creating Roman legionary shields.

With shields raised, feet marching and creativity flowing, it was a brilliant day of hands-on learning that helped everyone discover what it might have been like to live in Roman times.

Fun Fact: The Romans had a settlement at nearby Wroxeter, just outside Shrewsbury, known as Viroconium Cornoviorum. It became one of the largest towns in Roman Britain and was once home to impressive bath houses, shops and public buildings.

#handsonhistory

3 weeks ago
Posted on 16th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

🏛️ Year 4 Marches into Roman Britain! ⚔️

Salve! Year 4 journeyed back nearly 2,000 years to the bustling Roman city of Deva Victrix (the Roman name for Chester), where history came alive at every turn. They stepped into character as Roman citizens, discovered what everyday life was like in Roman Britain and took to the streets for their very own Legionary soldier training! 🛡️

From marching in formation to learning the secrets of a mighty empire, the children embraced every challenge with plenty of Roman spirit.

Fun Fact: Chester’s Roman amphitheatre is the largest known military amphitheatre in Britain and could once hold thousands of spectators!

Veni, vidi, didici… We came, we saw, we learned! 🏺✨

#handsonhistory

3 weeks ago
Posted on 16th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

🦴 Year 3 Goes Stone Age! 🔥

Year 3 stepped back thousands of years to become true Stone Age people for the day! Fully embracing their prehistoric roles, the children practised their hunting and gathering skills, crafted their own clay pots and experienced cookery around an open fire.

From fearless hunters to skilled craftspeople, they discovered just how resourceful Stone Age communities had to be. There was plenty of teamwork, imagination and adventure as they brought history to life and experienced a taste of prehistoric Britain for themselves.

#HandsOnHistory #

3 weeks ago
Posted on 15th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Eco Council Visits Abbey Foregate Pocket Park

Some members of our Eco Council enjoyed a visit with Mr Larkham to the new pocket park at Abbey Foregate, where they learned more about the importance of creating green spaces for both wildlife and the local community.

During the visit, Jen from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust spoke to the children about the exciting plans for planting up the community garden at the back of the park. The pupils were keen to share their feedback and ideas for the project, offering lots of thoughtful suggestions about the types of plants and features they would like to see included.

It was lovely to see how a previously unused area of our community has been transformed into a community space that can be enjoyed by both wildlife and local residents.

A big thank you to Jen and everyone involved in developing this wonderful community project. We can’t wait to see the garden take shape over the next few months!

3 weeks ago
Posted on 15th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Headteacher Message

Seven weeks done, and what a seven weeks it has been!

This newsletter is another reminder of just how much happens at Coleham. Visits, visitors, theme days for Years 3 and 4, sporting opportunities and experiences beyond the classroom have filled another busy week, including some fabulous sporting success and a particularly stellar performance from our netball squad.

Today’s sunshine also provided the perfect backdrop for a lovely visit to the community garden by the Abbey, bringing a really positive first half term to a fitting close.

There is a great deal to feel proud of as we reach the break. The children have made a fantastic start to the year and approached school life with energy, enthusiasm and positivity. Thank you to our brilliant staff, children and families for everything you have contributed.

This week’s picture of me is a compilation effort from the picture round winners of last week’s quiz: well done to Quiztopher Biggins! The round was to produce a cheerful image representing what I get up to at school after the children h ave all gone home… Sadly not a point scoring round, meaning they finshed a close 3rd and eventual winners: Pigeons In Flight wen thome with full glory.

Have a fantastic and well-earned half term. We’ll see you all soon!

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

3 weeks ago
Posted on 15th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

National Literacy Reading Quiz

Today we tried something new! 4 avid readers from Year 5 & 6, Ollie, Lily, Willow and Eva participated in the online National Literacy Association Reading Quiz, West Midlands regional heat.

Under strict competition guidelines, it was a tense 2 hours for our bookworms, answering 6 rounds of questions about popular books. It was a great experience and lots of fun! The group cooperated brilliantly to come to their final answers. What a great way to end the last day of half term. Well Done!

3 weeks ago
Posted on 15th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

For the Holidays! Christmas Card House Competition

Children are invited to design their own Coleham Christmas card.

The winning designs will be professionally produced and distributed to local businesses around Coleham, as well as to our neighbours on Greyfriars Road.

There will be 8 winners in total, with 2 winners from each house selected by a judging panel.

3 weeks ago
Posted on 15th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Yr 5/6 Author Visit-10th November

Booka Bookshop has arranged a brilliant Author event for Year 5 & 6. This links to Year 6’s history topic on WW2 and Remembrance Day.

Tia Fisher is visiting to talk about her new book Operation Doodlebug!

It’s spring 1944 and Stan’s father bravely enlists for D-Day, swearing he’ll return safely. When he’s reported ‘missing, presumed dead’, Stan refuses to believe it. As the doodlebugs start to fall on Croydon, could a letter hidden in a bomb hold the proof his father is still alive? Evacuation gives Stan and his friends the chance to deliver the letter and reveal the truth… discovering in the process what bravery really means.

If you would like your child to have a signed book on the day of Tia’s visit, please purchase one via Booka Bookshops website.

Books cost £7.

Click HERE

Important! So Booka can compile a list a books to bring to school, when you get to checkout make sure you enter:

your child’s name and surname in the ‘First Name’ box
your child’s class and school in the ‘Last Name’ box
select ‘Collect in Oswestry’ so you don’t get charged for shipping.
fill in your billing address and email address as normal

This promises to be a brilliant visit.

Kind regards,

Miss Othen

Book Loving Business Manager

3 weeks ago
Posted on 14th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Silly School Poetry Competition Success

A huge well done to everyone who entered the Michael Rosen Silly School Competition!

We were delighted to shortlist seven fantastic entries, which have now been submitted to the national competition. We wish all of our shortlisted pupils the very best of luck.

All of our winners also earned valuable points for their Houses. Congratulations to Quarry, who were the overall winners:

Quarry – 30 points
Greyfriars – 20 points
Severn – 10 points
Darwin – 10 points

Thank you to everyone who took part. It was wonderful to see so much creativity, imagination and enthusiasm on display across the school.

3 weeks ago
Posted on 14th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Drum Performance in KS2 Singing Assembly

As part of our KS2 Singing Assembly, Harvey performed Sweet Child O’ Mine on the drums. It was great to see him sharing his musical skills with the rest of the school and performing so confidently in front of an audience.

Harvey’s live drum performance added something a little different to this week’s assembly and was enjoyed by everybody.

4 weeks ago
Posted on 09th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Community Quiz Night

Thank you to all our quiz teams for joining us on Friday night. An insight into the inner workings of Mr Larkham’s mind and new lyrics round ‘Hip Hop or Shakespeare’ 🤣

4 weeks ago
Posted on 09th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

School Council visit the Shrewsbury Food Bank

Harvest Festival Celebration ✨🌾

We were delighted to welcome Rev Budd from Holy Trinity Church to lead our Harvest Festival assembly this week. It was a time to reflect on gratitude, community, and the importance of sharing with others. Thank you to everyone for your generous Harvest donations! 💛

Our School Council had the privilege of delivering the donations to The Shrewsbury Food Bank, helping to support families in our community.

4 weeks ago
Posted on 08th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Headteacher Message

Dear Families,

It has certainly been another busy and enjoyable week at Coleham, with plenty to celebrate across the school.

We welcomed visitors from the Trust Central Team this week and a consultant with inspection experience to look over our school and everything we do. Our School Leaders did a great job at talking about what is on offer fo our children and our visitors were able to see everything put in to action when they looked around, speaking to children and popping into lessons. They were very impressed with how strong all the provision was in general, but were particularly impressed with the inclusion strategies seen across school in every class and every support group, which is wonderful to hear. All of our staff do an incredible job every day to make every feel that they belong and that they matter.

The week began our Harvest Festival, where pupils sang beautifully and reflected on the importance of kindness, gratitude and helping others. We were delighted by the generosity shown by families, with a fantastic collection of donations for the Barnabas Food Bank. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your support will make a real difference to people in our local community.

There has also been lots of sporting action taking place this week. Pupils from Year 3 and Key Stage 1 have represented the school brilliantly in football, dodgeball and netball fixtures, demonstrating great teamwork, determination and enthusiasm throughout. We are incredibly proud of the way our children compete with such positivity and sportsmanship. A special mention must go to our Year 6 Sports Leaders, who have once again done an excellent job supporting events and refereeing matches. They have shown maturity, confidence and responsibility, and they are wonderful role models for our younger pupils.

Away from school, many classes have been out and about on educational visits and experiences. From local trips to wider adventures further afield, children have enjoyed a wealth of opportunities to bring their learning to life. Please do take a look at the news stories and photographs on our website to see some of the exciting experiences that have taken place over the last few weeks.

It is hard to believe that we are already heading into the final week of the half-term. The first half of the autumn term always seems to pass in a flash, and it has been wonderful to see the children settling so positively into their new classes, routines and learning.

Finally, a reminder that our school commnuity quiz takes place this evening – hopefully we will see many of you there, brains ready!

Have a wonderful weekend, and thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

4 weeks ago
Posted on 08th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Can you donate toys to school?

We are looking for some new toys for our Attention Bucket intervention.

You may have the very items at home that you might like to donate!

Toys that are fascinating to children, that move, flash, spin, make noises etc

The kind of toys children love but adults not so much!

Thank you so much for thinking of us

4 weeks ago
Posted on 08th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Coming up in November

Thursday 5th November – Yr 5 Ancient Greek Day

Friday 6th November -Family Bingo Night @ 6:00pm

Week commencing 9th November – EYFS Nursery Rhyme Week

Tuesday 10th November – Yr 5/6 Author Event

Wednesday 11th November – The School Food Roadshow with Yr 2 families @ 2:00pm

Week commencing 9th November – Parents Evenings (you can book these now on Arbor)

Tuesday 17th November – Times Tables Rock Stars Dress Up Day

4 weeks ago
Posted on 08th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Times Tables Rock Stars Dress up day

As part of Maths week, Tuesday 17th November will be a dress up day celebrating Times Tables Rock Stars.

Come to school in your own clothes and funky hair, reaching for denim, check shirts, trainers, leathers from your wardrobe.

4 weeks ago
Posted on 07th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Year 6 are Banksy inspired

Check out this great stenciling by Year 6, inspired by Banksy.

Too good for their sketch books, we wish they had graffitied them on the school premises, Banksy style!

4 weeks ago
Posted on 07th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Black History Art

Our Gallery has a new exhibition.

Some fabulous art for Black History month by Year 3.

1 month ago
Posted on 07th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

What’s on next week?

Monday

Cricket Coaching Yr 1 & 4

Tuesday

EYFS Pumpkin Party after school

Wednesday

Yr 3 Stone Age Day in school (Dress Up optional)

Yr 1 Squirrels Family Lunch

Thursday

Yr 4 Roman Day in school (Dress up optional)

Yr 1 Hedgehogs Family Lunch

Relationships & Health Education Information Evening for Parents @ 3.30pm with Miss Harris

Friday

Break up for two weeks half term.

Return to school Tuesday 3rd November!

1 month ago
Posted on 07th Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Rhythms of West Africa Come to Coleham!

The beat was impossible to resist! 🥁✨

Years 1, 4 and 6 had an unforgettable African Drumming experience, exploring the rich musical traditions of West Africa. From learning about the origins of the djembe drum to creating their own energetic rhythms, every child was fully involved.

The excitement grew as children took turns conducting their groups, leading the beat and keeping everyone in perfect rhythm.

A wonderful way to celebrate culture and discover how music can bring people together. 🌍

1 month ago
Posted on 02nd Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Quiz Night-next Friday!

Rally your friends, grandparents and neighbours! Quiz night is back! We may even throw in a few rounds of bingo.

Teams of 6!

£5 pp to pay on the night

Bring your own snacks and alcohol.

Come along on the evening!

1 month ago
Posted on 02nd Oct 2026 by Miss Othen

Bridging generations, one story at a time!

Squirrels children enjoyed a very special visit to the Connections group at the United Reformed Church, where books were shared and smiles exchanged.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our young learners to connect with older members of the community, building friendships, understanding and respect across generations. From reading stories together to sharing a good old chit-chat, everyone left a little happier than when they arrived.