Category: Chivenor Primary School

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Legacy and logbooks – Chivenor alumni revisit a bygone era

Chivenor alumni holding logbooks (centre) with current pupils / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

Words supplied by Chivenor Primary School

History leaped off the pages of dusty logbooks, as two former students returned to Chivenor Primary School, marking a nostalgic start to the school’s heritage project. The alumni, who first entered the school over fifty years ago, provided a living link to a vanishing era for today’s local youngsters.

Current head boys and girls bombarded the past pupils with questions, eager to compare childhoods across the decades.

While football was popular then and remains a firm favourite today, the visitors explained to the pupils that they also used to play “marleys” – a traditional game of marbles. When asked about the teachers, the men fondly described Miss Palmer and Mr. Fletcher as “kind and fun”.

Chivenor alumni holding logbooks (centre) with current school staff / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

However, they noted that Mr Fletcher also had the job of disciplining the pupils, recalling classmates receiving “the slipper” for misbehaviour. This contrasted to the nicer memory of a birthday biscuit during assemblies.

The highlight of the day was when the gentlemen looked through the school archives, delighted to find their names in the official register. They also read the school logbook, which chronicled milestones including the time they were filmed for a television segment regarding energy conservation.

They also spoke warmly of school trips to the farm, laughing as they remembered constructing a giant papier-mâché cow.

Chivenor Primary School was originally opened in 1965 before an official opening in 1967. If you attended in the 60’s 70’s or 80’s please contact the school to share your stories and take part in their heritage project: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

 

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Chivenor pupils captivated by West End spectacle

Chivenor Primary School pupils outside Lyceum Theatre in London / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

Words and photograph supplied by 4Cadbury — Chivenor Primary School’s Junior Correspondents

On Wednesday 7 January, students from Chivenor Primary School swapped their traditional classroom lessons and books for a “dazzling, once-in-a-lifetime experience” in London’s West End.

Departing by coach early in the morning, the group journeyed to the capital, where they were lucky enough to catch glimpses of iconic landmarks including the London Eye, Elizabeth Tower, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square.

The highlight of the excursion was a visit to the Lyceum Theatre to see the world-renowned production of The Lion King. As the “heart-beating drum beats” began and the r curtain rose, the atmosphere became “spine-tingling”.

Students were fascinated by the “magnificent” giraffes, enormous elephant and various other animals in hand-crafted masks that brought the African savannah to life.

The performance was a powerful retelling of Simba’s journey from childhood to king of the Savannah. Pupils watched intently as the story unfolded, from the “animal parade” at the start to the darker moments where the villainous Scar led Simba toward a “disgusting” hyena-filled trap.

Despite the complexity of the plot, one student noted that the “captivating” production ensured even those at the back of the theatre felt like they were part of the action.

After the final curtain closed, the group began their long journey home enjoying the lights of London as they passed.

While the day was long, the students returned with “dazzling” memories of a ‘soul-stirring’ performance that perfectly complemented their current studies on the continent of Africa.

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: [email protected]

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Local heroes remembered – Chivenor Primary’s moving poppy display

Chivenor Primary School pupils and teacher in front of Remembrance Day poppy display / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

Words by Chivenor Primary School

(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 18.11.25)

Chivenor Primary School has unveiled a deeply meaningful display to mark Remembrance Day, ensuring the sacrifices of past generations are not forgotten.

The tribute holds extra resonance for the local area, which is historically significant: Castle Vale was home to the Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory, producing over half of all Spitfires built during World War II.

Every child at the school contributed to a magnificent wall display featuring a silhouette of the iconic Spitfire aircraft surrounded by hundreds of individually crafted poppies.

Fr Jules Mambu and Chivenor Primary School pupils by veteran’s memorial at St Cuthbert’s Church, Castle Vale Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

The vibrant tribute faces the busy local roundabout, offering a powerful, visible reminder to the local community as they pass by. This collaborative project allowed every student to directly participate in honouring veterans and those who served.

In a further act of remembrance, the school’s Head Boys and Head Girls proudly represented the school. They visited the nearby St Cuthbert’s Church, where they solemnly laid a poppy wreath at the war memorial nestled in the church garden.

This Proud Tradition reinforces the strong community ties and commitment to teaching respect and history.

To complete their efforts, the school also donated a giant poppy, which is now on display at The Sanctuary, Executive Head Lisa Guest commented: “The children have shown immense respect and pride in creating these tributes. It’s a vital part of their education to understand the importance of Remembrance Day.”

The Chivenor Primary displays serve as a moving testament to the community’s commitment to memory, courage, and peace.

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.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: [email protected]