6 months ago
Posted on 18th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Chess Tournament

KS2 Chess Tournament Success

KS2 pupils have been battling it out over several weeks in Mr Williams’ exciting Chess Tournament. The competition has been full of strategic moves, determination, and impressive skill from all participants.

The final match was a tense lunchtime showdown between George and Charlie from Year 6, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. After a thrilling game, George was crowned Coleham’s ultimate Chess Champion, with Charlie finishing as a well-deserved runner-up.

Congratulations to both players and to everyone who took part in such a fantastic tournament!

6 months ago
Posted on 15th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Well Done Year 6

We must start with congratulating our Year 6s for the perseverance, effort and resilience they have demonstrated in their SATs this week. They have approached them with hard work and maturity which is what matters. They have done their very best and can be very proud of themselves, whatever the outcomes! They are wearing their Leavers Hoodies with pride and can look forward to a fantastic 3 day trip to Pioneer making memories and enjoying their friendships.

6 months ago
Posted on 15th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Recruitment- Teaching Assistant

We are recruiting for an Early Years/KS1 Teaching Assistant.

More info can be found HERE

Please spread the word

6 months ago
Posted on 15th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Prickles the Hedgehog

This morning brought a rather prickly surprise… 🦔

We had a very special little visitor wander onto the KS1 playground today – a hedgehog!

Not wanting to disturb our shy guest, Mr Larkham and a small group of helpful children from Hedgehogs class stepped in. With lots of care they safely escorted Prickles to a quiet, undisturbed spot in our conservation area and then to a warm, private box inside to stay warm with some food with Cuan Wildlife Rescue collecting him later 🦔

A reminder of the amazing nature we’re lucky to have right on our doorstep. Do you have a hedgehog friendly garden at home?

6 months ago
Posted on 15th May 2026 by Miss Othen

The Belle Vue Arts Festival is coming!

The Belle Vue Arts Festival is coming in June and you can book their events HERE

Miss Othen and Miss Heap champion the festival in school each year co-ordinating art, competitions and events for the children.

Read the festival’s latest BLOG about how it all started with Coleham Teacher Judy Townsend and our involvement 20 years later!

Festival BLOG: Read it HERE

6 months ago
Posted on 14th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Next week: Mental Health Awareness Week

Next week is National Mental Health Awareness Week and we’ll be talking about ways we can take action so we feel healthy, rested and happy.

On Tuesday and Wednesday Yoga Teacher Dionne will be with us for taster sessions and on Friday we’ll be finishing the half term with a whole school Zumba session led by Mrs Stewart.

Staff will also be taking time out to connect and relax at Miss Salter’s after school art workshop.

6 months ago
Posted on 14th May 2026 by Miss Othen

What’s on next week?

Mental Health Awareness Week Activities

Monday

Yr 4 Dolphins Swimming (afternoon)

Tuesday

Yr 3 Turtles Swimming (afternoon)

Wednesday

Yr 1 Ukulele Concert for Families @ 9.15am

Summer 2 Clubs Release at 6pm

Thursday

Yr 5 Viking Day

Yr 3 Trip to Liverpool World Museum

Friday

Yr 3 Egyptian Day

Yr 5 Leopards Swimming (afternoon)

Whole School Zumba session

6 months ago
Posted on 14th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Headteacher Message

Dear Families,

This week has absolutely flown by, and ended with a surprise visitor on the playground this morning! “Prickles” the hedgehog has been well-looked after and we’ll make sure they get what they need.

We must start with congratulating our Year 6s for the perseverance, effort and resilience they have demonstrated in their SATs this week. Love them or loathe them, everyone has to sit them and we are always more interested in the way they are approached by children rather than their end results. If they do their best, that is enough – and they have done their very best. They can be very proud of themselves, whatever the outcomes!

Thank you to everyone who made it to the Plant & Craft Fair last weekend: it was wonderful to see so many family-run stalls selling a whole range of different things. It was a true community event and it left me feeling very honoured to be part of it!

Next week is the final week of the half-term and then we’re into the final half-term of 2025-26! After half-term we will be able to share dates of transition activities and other plans for next year.

Thank you for all your support, and have a lovely weekend!

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

6 months ago
Posted on 14th May 2026 by Miss Othen

BVAF Competitions!

Poetry Writing Competition

Get ready to let your imagination run free in our poetry writing competition, inspired by our theme this year of “Fantasy”.

We’d love to hear all about the magic and mystery hiding in your imagination, from enchanted forests to curious creatures, secret spells or worlds that only you can dream up.

Write a short poem and share your most fantastical ideas with us.

And when you’re ready, simply email your poem to us.

Small prizes for the winning entries!

Deadline: 22 June 26

Category: All ages

Please note: We are unable to offer individual feedback and if you haven’t heard from us after the deadline, then assume that you have not been selected on this occasion.

Fantasy Drabble Contest 2026

Can YOU spin a fantastical tale, in EXACTLY 100 words?

No more, no less, Title Not Included: that’s a DRABBLE!

Whether it’s Epic, Urban, Cosy, or any other fantasy subgenre you love, whether it contains dragons or mermaids or devils getting stroppy with large rocks, your Drabble could win a prize and be read out as part of our poetry event – A Hive of Fantasy, on Friday 12 June.

There are 3 age categories:

Up to 11
12 – 16
17 and over

To enter, simply email your drabble to us by 8 June, including your name and if you’re under 18, your age.

Good luck!

6 months ago
Posted on 14th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Ukraine Donations

We are collecting donations for children in Ukraine. Shropshire Supports Ukraine are arranging a transport and will be collecting from us. You can drop these in Reception.

Children’s Clothes (must be clean and in excellent condition)
Long lasting food items (rice, pasta, tea, coffee, biscuits etc)
Toiletries and sanitary products
Pain Relief (paracetamol and ibuprofen)
Baby food & nappies
Pet Food
Toys

6 months ago
Posted on 14th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Clubs Spotlight

Our Yoga and Cook Stars Clubs have been an absolute hit – and we couldn’t be more delighted! 💫

Dionne has been working her magic with her lovely little yoga group, helping our children stretch, relax and find their calm in the most joyful way. 🧘‍♀️✨

Meanwhile, over in Cook Stars… things have been deliciously busy! 🍰 Our cooks have made ginger cake, brownies, spaghetti & meatballs, and traditional soda bread. We’re not sure what we love more – the amazing smells or the proud smiles!

To make life that little bit easier, all ingredients are provided (goodbye, last-minute supermarket dashes 👋) and each child takes home a recipe card, so you can recreate these dishes together at home.

6 months ago
Posted on 14th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Clubs for Summer 2

Our Yoga and Cook Stars Clubs have been a brilliant addition! They’ll be back after half term. Yoga will be enjoyed in the outdoors embracing the lovely weather and bird song from our conservation area and Cook Stars will have delicious recipes for a new year group.

New Clubs for next half term will be released to all parents on WEDNESDAY 20th MAY @ 6pm

6 months ago
Posted on 14th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Whales visit Wildlife Photography Exhibition

🦊We visited the Wildlife Photography of the Year at SM&AG, a showcase from the Natural History Museum in London.

🐢We talked about our favourite photos, the photos we found most inspiring, most shocking and the photos we thought must have been the most difficult to take.

6 months ago
Posted on 14th May 2026 by Miss Othen

✨ Year 2 Visit from Guide Dogs UK ✨

Year 2 had a wonderful visit from Georgia, who works at Guide Dogs UK, along with her guide dog, Aaron. The children enjoyed learning all about how guide dogs are trained and the important role they play in helping people live more independently.

Georgia shared that she is currently training four guide dogs and told the children how she trains them to recognise words and get used to other pets.

The class impressed Georgia a stream of thoughtful questions—well done, Year 2! 🐾

In other news, due to the hard work of Year 2 in persuasive writing this term, we have been persuaded to sponsor a dog called Toblerone! We look forward to receiving any ‘pupdates’ that we might receive.

6 months ago
Posted on 14th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Year 1 Trip to Theatre Severn

Dear Parent/Carer

We have arranged for Year 1 to visit Theatre Severn on Friday 5^th June to see the morning performance of “The Enormous Crocodile”, a musical production based on the book by Roald Dahl.

They will be setting off around 10.40 am and will return to school around 1.00pm, following a picnic lunch in the park (weather permitting!).

As Year 1 pupils are provided with free school meals as part of the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme, a packed lunch will be provided for all pupils. Please click on the link below to select from the various menu options available. All packed lunches come with a piece of fruit, a packet of crisps and a portion of desert. If we haven’t received a completed packed lunch form for your child by 9.00am Monday 1^st June, we will assume they will be bringing one from home.

Year 1 Theatre Trip: 5th June 2026 – Fill in form

The cost of the trip is £20.10, including transport to the theatre costs and tickets. Payment for this trip should be made via your child’s Arbor account prior to the date of the trip.

In case of an emergency or medical incident during the trip please can you check that your contact details are up-to-date on Arbor prior to the trip. Thank you for your assistance.

6 months ago
Posted on 14th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Year 2 Trip to Theatre Severn

Dear Families,

Year 2 Trip to Theatre Severn

We have arranged for Year 2 to visit Theatre Severn on Thursday 4^th June to see the afternoon performance of “The Enormous Crocodile”, a musical production based on the book by Roald Dahl.

They will be setting off around 13:10pm, shortly after afternoon registration, and will return to school around 15:30pm, for a slightly later collection time than normal.

The cost of the trip is £21.70, including transport costs and tickets. Payment for this trip should be made via your child’s Arbor account prior to the date of the trip.

In case of an emergency or medical incident during the trip please can you check that your contact details are up-to-date on Arbor prior to the trip. Thank you for your assistance.

Kind Regards,

The School Office

6 months ago
Posted on 13th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Nutritionist visits Year 2

Our Catering Team’s nutritionist, Hannah, visited Owls and Rabbits to explore healthy eating. She spoke to the children about the different food groups on their plate and shared ideas for nutritious, balanced snacks. It was an engaging session that helped everyone learn how to make healthier choices.

6 months ago
Posted on 13th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Diary Dates for Summer

1st – 3rd June – Yr 6 Residential Trip

Tues 2nd June – Owls Family Lunch @ 11.30pm

Wed 3rd June – Rabbits Family Lunch @ 11.30pm

Wed 10th June – Shropshire Sings Event for Lunchtime Singing Club 3.15-7:00pm

8th – 11th June – Yr 6 Bikeability Training

Sun 14th June – Shrewsbury School Music Concert for Lunchtime Singing Club 3:00- 5:15pm

Wed 17th June – Musical Showcase Concert (for children in KS2 learning instruments)

Mon 22nd June – EYFS, Yr 1 & 2 SPORTS DAY @ 1:30pm

Wed 24th June – Yr 3 & 4 SPORTS DAY @ 1:30pm

Wed 24th June – Family Forum 6-7pm

Thur 25th June – Yr 5 & 6 SPORTS DAY @ 1:30pm

Friday 3rd July – Yr 4 Tudors Day

Tue 7th July – Yr 3 Recorder concert @ 9.15am

Wed 8th July – KS2 Disco 5:00-6:00pm

Fri 10th July – Yr 6 Leavers Assembly 1.30pm

Mon 20th July – Yr 6 Leavers Party

Last day in school – Wednesday 22nd July

Summer Holiday – 23rd July to 1st September

New School Year starts – Wed 2nd September

6 months ago
Posted on 13th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Lunchtime Singing Club Members

Dear Parents/Carers,

FOR LUNCHTIME MRS PORRETT’S SINGING CLUB CHILDREN ONLY

Shropshire Sings 2026 Reminder

Date: Wednesday 10th June

Location-West Mid Showground

Information:

Timing: Miss Harris, Miss Pilsbury and the children will be going to the showground by coach, leaving school around 3.15pm on the day of the event, in order to attend the afternoon rehearsal.

REFRESHMENTS: As the children will be on site until the end of the concert (approximately 7.30pm) they will need to bring a packed tea with them to eat prior to the concert start time of 6:30pm. If your child is entitled to free school meals and you would like us to provide them with a packed tea, please inform the School Office prior to the date of the event.

GOING HOME: Once the concert is over, children will need to be taken home from the venue by a parent/carer as we will NOT be returning to school.

For Parents/Carers: The showground will open to the public at 5.30pm, with the concert starting at 6.30pm with a running time of approx. 1 hour. Please bring your own chairs, picnics and possibly an umbrella (for sheltering from inclement weather or sunshine!).

Tickets for Families: Don’t forget to book your tickets for Shropshire Sings by clicking on the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FWPU

Choose ‘Wednesday 10th June 2026’.

If you encounter any problems purchasing tickets – please contact Shropshire Music Service 01743 874145

IMPORTANT PLEASE FILL IN THIS QUICK FORM SO WE KNOW IF YOUR CHILD WILL BE ATTENDING Click HERE

SHREWSBURY SCHOOL SINGING EVENT

As often happens, word gets around when we sing at Coleham! We have been invited to join the ‘Symphonic Sunday’ event hosted by Shrewsbury School on SUNDAY 14th JUNE. https://www.shrewsbury.org.uk/co-curricular/music/symphonic-sundays

We will be singing 3 songs accompanied by a children’s orchestra!

Free Tickets for families

Book here:
Symphonic Sunday Gala Concert at Alington Hall – Shrewsbury School (TicketSource)

Password: SYMPHONICSUNDAY

Currently limited to 2 tickets per performing child
We expect to release additional tickets closer to the event, but this initial phase ensures every child can be represented in the audience

Timetable for the Children

Parents/Carers to drop off children at Shrewsbury School, Please could children meet Mrs Porrett outside Alington Hall at 2.40pm, ready to be seated for the 3.00pm rehearsal.

Refreshments will be available from 3.45pm, either outside on the grass (weather permitting) or in the Barnes Theatre foyer (glass building on left hand side

Concert 4.30pm start.

Concert ends approx. 5.15pm

Families to take children home.

Thank you very much,

Music Teacher

Domenica Porrett

6 months ago
Posted on 10th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Our Chef hears your voice

Our Chef Manager, Miss Perry, loved chatting with parents and carers at the Plant and Craft Fair, sharing samples of the new reduced‑sugar desserts and hearing feedback on the Summer Menu 🌱 It was a great opportunity to talk through the nutritional thinking behind our school lunch menu and how small changes can make a big difference.

6 months ago
Posted on 10th May 2026 by Miss Othen

School Lunch Info

The Catering Team have put together some information for parents.

You can also access this HERE

Coleham Meal Information Flyer

Our Chef Manager Miss Perry enjoyed chatting with you at the Plant and Craft Fair. As always if you have special dietary arrangements you can always email her directly.

Email: ca.colehamprimary@ocs.com

6 months ago
Posted on 09th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Plant & Craft Fair 2026

Plant & Craft Fair 2026… you were utterly wonderful.

This event is always the opener to the Belle Vue Arts Festival and its one of our favourites.

Our incredible children blew us away — from their @bellevueartsfestival competition entries to the brilliant little businesses they dreamed up and ran with such confidence. Your products, your presentation, your wonderful entrepreneurial ideas astounded us all.

To everyone who supported, joined in, donated, crafted, baked, planted, purchased, or simply wandered through with a smile — thank you. Happy faces everywhere, connecting in the sunshine. That’s our school at its heart: Caring, Community, Creativity.

Keeping things local. Keeping things authentic. Empowering our children every step of the way. Thank you for being part of this very special community. We couldn’t do it without you!

6 months ago
Posted on 09th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Coleham Makers Market!

Little People, Big Ideas!

Our incredible children ran their own brilliant little businesses they dreamed up and ran with such confidence. Their products, their presentation, their customer service and wonderful entrepreneurial ideas… every bit of it was a class act.

From plant labels to homemade lemonade to vending‑machine squishies to 3D‑printed creations, the imagination on display was extraordinary. We had more children than ever before running their own stalls, and the pride they took in their work was something truly special.

As Business Manager, Miss Othen nurtures entrepreneurship and Careers Education in our school and promotes employability skills so our children can carry these strengths forward on their journey after Coleham. She is so, so proud of all of them.

Our pupils showed our community just how incredible children can be — their talent, their creativity and their personality were on full display. Their craft market was better than those in many market towns or cities, and they ran it with professionalism, pride and joy.

They also raised a large sum of money for School Fundraising which we are so grateful for.

What an inspiring group of young entrepreneurs!

Take a look at their incredible stalls below:

6 months ago
Posted on 09th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Fantasy Creative Competitions

🎉 A HUGE shout‑out to all the brilliant children who entered the Plant & Craft Fair 2026 Competitions! You absolutely bewitched the Belle Vue Arts Festival judges this year — they were wowed by your incredible creations. ✨

🌈 This year’s theme was Fantasy, and wow… you didn’t just interpret it — you launched it into another universe. From strength potions to fantasy lands, your imagination ran wild and we loved every single entry. You are all Highly Commended!!🧚‍♂️🐉🌿

6 months ago
Posted on 09th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Sir David’s Birthday Cake

Great work from After School Club children who drew beautiful animals that were printed onto icing sheets for Sir David Attenborough’s Birthday Cake. It was spectacular! Thank you to Annie and The Love spoon Bakery for creating this very special cake for us which tasted as good as it looked!

6 months ago
Posted on 08th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Celebrating Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday

Coleham School went full Attenborough today as pupils, staff and families celebrated Sir David’s 100th birthday. Think animals, explorers, eco‑heroes and even a few tiny Sir David’s wandering the corridors.

The day kicked off with a whole‑school assembly from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, reminding us why Sir David’s voice — and our own actions — matter for the planet.

Costumes were spectacular: tigers, sharks, rainforest creatures, adventurers and more.

Eco‑activities filled the day with Year 4 making a giant Whale Shark and Year 6 filming their own nature documentaries. Every child made a personal Green Pledge, promising one change they’ll make to help protect the planet. These will be combined into the official Coleham School Green Pledge for the Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s Schools’ Green Promise competition.

Families joined in the afternoon for a performance of I Am The Earth before everyone belted out Happy Birthday to Sir David. The grand finale? A show‑stopping three‑tier cake — oceans, deserts and rainforests — baked with Love Spoon Bakery and decorated with edible animals designed by pupils. Slices were sold after school, raising donations for the Wildlife Trust.

Coleham went wild — and we think Sir David would approve.

6 months ago
Posted on 08th May 2026 by Miss Othen

KS1 Multi-Skills Festival

We took a group of KS1 students to a Multi-skills event run by Meole Brace School for their year 9 students to practice coaching. The sport was golf and the children were brilliant and loved it. Well done to all!!

6 months ago
Posted on 07th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Reading Newsletter

Please see Miss Harris Reading Newsletter May Edition HERE

6 months ago
Posted on 07th May 2026 by Miss Othen

Headteacher Message

Dear families,

It has been another fantastic week here at Coleham, and I wanted to start by thanking everyone for helping to make today’s celebration of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday such a special occasion. Across the school, Sir David has been an inspiration to many (including this Headteacher!) and the passion for the natural world from many of our children is wonderful to see. He has shown us that one person can make a big difference, and he has also taught us all to notice the natural world on our doorsteps, as well as in exotic lands.

Looking ahead, I’m really looking forward to seeing many of you at tomorrow’s plant and craft fair. This is always such a lovely event and a great opportunity for our community to come together. I know there has already been a huge amount of effort put into preparing entries for the different competitions, and I can’t wait to see the creativity and talent on display. Whether you are taking part with a competition entry or an entrepreneurial stall, or simply coming along to enjoy the atmosphere, we’re very much looking forward to seeing you there!

I also want to wish our Year 6 children the very best of luck as they head into their SATs next week. They have worked incredibly hard, shown great determination and should feel very proud of all they have achieved. This weekend is there for them to relax, recharge and enjoy some well-earned downtime, knowing they are more than ready for the week ahead.

Remember: the SATs are a chance to show what you know – not a judgement of who you are or your value. It’s an opportunity to do your best and be proud of your effort, but it’s important not to feel overwhelmed by it. You are, and always will be, far more than a test result.

Have a lovely weekend, and we hope to see many of you tomorrow.

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

6 months ago
Posted on 07th May 2026 by Miss Othen

What’s on next week?

Monday

Year 6 SATS Spelling 20 minutes

Year 6 SATS Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling 45 minutes

Dolphins Swimming (afternoon)

Tuesday

Year 6 SATS Reading 60 minutes

Turtles Swimming (afternoon)

New Reception Parents Information Evening 17:30pm

Wednesday

Year 5 SATS Maths Arithmetic 30 minutes

Year 6 SATS Maths Reasoning 40 minutes

Thursday

Year 6 SATS Maths Reasoning 40 minutes

Friday

Leopards Swimming (afternoon)

Reception

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Poetry Writing Competition

Fantasy Drabble Contest 2026