On Friday 5 May 2023 pupils across our primary schools marked the Coronation of King Charles III in a variety of different ways and laid down precious memories to last a lifetime.

At Kemble Primary School, Headteacher, Emma Morrogh-Ryan and her team welcomed royalty in their Coronation-themed non uniform day. She reported that there was great excitement as the pupils attended school dressed as Kings and Queens ready for a traditional street party. The school held a special assembly to enable pupils to learn more about the Coronation ceremony and to understand the roles of the King and Queen in modern Britain.

‘It was superb to see the variety of costumes, from Cleopatra to King Arthur as well as a good smattering of Disney princesses! It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate this important moment in history. Our pupils were able to engage in the background and context of the Coronation. They learnt about the key figures and items that play a crucial part in the ceremony.’ Emma Morrogh-Ryan, Headteacher, Kemble Primary School.

Pupils enjoyed the street party, which, due to the weather, was held in the school’s hall! However, spirits  were not dampened and parents provided an amazing spread and the children enjoyed celebrating with plenty of singing and games.

‘We had a really fun time at the party, I loved dressing up, playing games and eating cupcakes!’ Gabriel (Year 2).

The pupils at Kemble Primary School also took part in a Coronation Bake Off organised by the Parents’ Group. There were some spectacular entries and judging was difficult, but the competition was won by some very patriotic cakes!

Katie Cook, Headteacher at Siddington C of E Primary School, combined this national event with a Creative Arts Day. Pupils had the opportunity to work with the ‘Revolution Performing Arts' group and ‘No Added Sugar’. Significantly, pupils and staff worked collaboratively and created a lasting legacy, a beautiful art installation made up of over 100 tiny decorative butterflies.

‘The children learnt new art techniques from the artists at No Added Sugar and used these to decorate their butterflies. They enjoyed their performance workshop with Revolution Performing Arts and performed together at the Coronation party. I am sure this is a day they will remember for a long time.’ Katie Cook, Headteacher, Siddington C of E Primary School.

Pupils dressed in the colours of the Union Flag and took part in a range of activities, including tile painting, creating a crown sculpture, making King Charles’ silhouette collages, and making crowns in Forest School, before enjoying a party. At the end of the day, parents were invited into school for an art exhibition to share all the pupils’ Coronation artwork and to listen to the Coronation song that the children were excited to perform. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day and left school with a sense of achievement. They were eagerly clutching their Coronation keepsakes, a commemorative medal and teddy bear kindly provided by the Parish and PTA respectively.

‘I took mum and gran into the hall to show them the butterflies. My mum liked it because it says ‘God save the King’ on the art.  I loved making it and the party!’ Year 2 pupil

At Chesterton Primary School, Headteacher, Libby Pringle’s ambitious plan came together: pupils dressed in white, red or blue, practised forming a human Union Flag before their rehearsed and perfectly timed choreography was filmed overhead from a drone. The short film sequenced was then shared with the community of the school and the Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard. Watch the film. 

‘The Coronation is an important part of British history and we were proud to celebrate it. Staff and pupils worked hard to make the day a special event for Chesterton. We used it as a vehicle to learn more about British history and listened to the official coronation anthem by Handel; ‘Zadok the Priest’.’ Libby Pringle, Headteacher, Chesterton Primary School,

Pupils also marked the Coronation in true British style with a picnic lunch before coming together to sing a special song, written for school children across the country to sing to mark this historic occasion, and the National Anthem. Pupils each received a commemorative book mark from the PTA, personalised to the school.

‘We loved having a picnic – can we do it every day?’ Year 6 pupil