Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
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Words by Chivenor Primary School
Chivenor School officially marked its 60th anniversary year with a vibrant Heritage Evening, bringing together generations of students, staff, and community leaders to honour six decades of local education.
Co-Heads of School Mrs Cox and Mrs Werrett opened the evening by reflecting on Chivenor’s unique beginnings in 1965. Originally designated as ‘School Number 1’ under founding headteacher Mrs Wise, the institution famously had no pupils when it opened. However, growth was rapid; by 1967, enrolment soared past 1,000 children, prompting the opening of a second school on the Vale.
The celebration seamlessly blended past and present, highlighting the revival of beloved traditions like balancing a sweet tin on children’s heads for their birthday.
Recognition was a central theme, with certificates awarded to the Head Boys and Girls, Pupil Parliament members, and dedicated ‘Heritage Heroes’ who championed the history project.
Attendees, including current and former staff, alumni, and community representatives, enjoyed uplifting performances from the school choir and the St. John’s Ambulance Brass Band who had the children dancing in the aisles.
Mrs Cox and Mrs Werrett shared that the event aimed to honour Mrs Wise’s 1965 vision for Chivenor. A newspaper article stated that she wanted Chivenor to be “A place of happiness where children grow in body, mind, and spirit”.
Sixty years later, the joint heads noted that these core values remain alive through the school’s modern pillars of High Achievement, Wide Horizons, and Proud Traditions and they hoped these values would remain strong in 60 years time.
PICTURE GALLERY: Chivenor Primary School’s 60 year anniversary event / Photographs by Tracy Fisher
For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
