Religious Education

We are theologians learning about differences.

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full”

- John v10b

INTENT:

As a Church school, Swinderby All Saints wants every child to have an understanding and enquiring mind towards Christianity and other world religions so that in their adult lives they can make informed judgements and choices based on secure knowledge and facts.  The school believes that Religious Education has a significant role for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.  It promotes respect and open-mindedness towards others with different faiths and beliefs within a local, national and wider community.

IMPLEMENTATION:

At Swinderby All Saints RE is taught for one hour a week through the teaching of the Lincolnshire Agreed syllabus (2018).   This is taught through a hybrid model of compulsory and additional modules. They reflect the Balanced RE approach, which focuses on a balance between believing (theology), living (human/social sciences) and thinking (philosophy). Children are encouraged to discuss different religions and the acts that are part of that religion and to discuss similarities and differences in what they are learning about.

Each half term a new model will be taught and assessment is gathered through observation, lesson observation and written documentation in books.

The school has close links with the local Christian church and there are regular opportunities to meet with the vicar who carries out half termly assemblies, supports with the teaching of RE and to visit Swinderby All Saints church.

Experiences and enrichment opportunities include:

  • Handling artefacts
  • Exploring texts
  • Using imaginative play and role play to explore ideas
  • Responding to images- games, stories, art
  • Making visits to religious places of worship or where this is not possible use of the internet
  • Taking part in whole school events- Harvest, Christmas, Easter, school performances, multi faith days
  • Taking part in weekly Celebrations Collective Worship where children come together as a community to share achievements
  • Debating religious faith

INTENDED IMPACT:

The children will:

  • Be able to talk about Christianity and other religions
  • Feel valued
  • Know the school values and be able to talk about them 
  • Be able to talk about the similarities and differences between faiths
  • Be able to discuss their own and other’s views of religious truth and belief
  • Reflect on sources of information

The impact of RE is also sought directly from talking to the pupils and gathering their ideas and thoughts.

Click to Download Collective Worship Policy April 2026 [pdf 700KB] Click to Download
Click to Download Swinderby RE Curriculum 2026 to 2028 [pdf 729KB] Click to Download
Click to Download RE Policy April 2026 [pdf 983KB] Click to Download
Click to Download swinderby-school-prayer [docx 306KB] Click to Download

SIAMS Inspection

We are thrilled to share with you our recent SIAMS report. We feel this reflects all the hard work everyone does and their contributions in making Swinderby All Saints the fabulous place it is. 

Some quotes from the report:

"This is an outward looking and deeply compassionate school."

"...they have placed flourishing for all as the driving force behind all strategic decision making."

"They actively challenge and remove barriers to ensure pupils experience a rich and varied range of learning opportunities."

"They ensure that the academic and personal needs of all are met. The vision inspires them to create a culture where all are valued, especially championing the needs of the most vulnerable. This is a fully inclusive community which cares deeply. Relationships founded on compassion, understanding and trust underpin these strong bonds. This ensures pupils feel safe and able to express their feelings and know their voice is heard."

Click to Download SIAMS Report Swinderby All Saints CofE Primary School [pdf 364KB] Click to Download

Provision Within Lessons

Church Schools Festival - June 2026

Year 6 attended the annual Church Schools Festival at Lincoln Cathedral. This is a multi-day event in June where thousands of Year 6 pupils from across the Diocese of Lincoln gather. The children enjoyed hands-on workshops, cathedral tours, singing, and a communal Act of Worship. 

We rotated through the following activities: 

  • iSingPOP workshop getting ready for the afternoon service.
  • A deeper look at the architecture, symbolism, and history of the Cathedral.
  • A celebratory service featuring the procession of school banners, where children received a candle to take back to school.

Christingle. December 2025.

The children in Years 5 and 6 made the christingles, as is the school's annual tradition.  The service was then held in church and as ever was a beautiful occasion and Christmas then started!

CLASS 1's NATIVITY.  DECEMBER 2025

'Whopps a Daisy Angel' was a real hit!  Class 1 performed the Nativity Story three times to packed audiences, the school was so proud of our youngest children who were so rave on the stage!

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL CAROL SERVICE. DECEMBER 2025.

Children in Years 2 to 6 were offered the chance to go to Lincoln Cathedral to take part in the annual Church School's Carol service.  A large group went and they had the chance to sing with the I-Sing pop presenters in the beautiful seeing of the cathedral.  A highlight was Aria from Year 4, reading alongisde her Mum in a mixture of Italian and English.

CAROLS IN SWINDERBY CHURCH

Our pupils and their families were invited to take part in the Swinderby Village Carol Service.  It is always fun picking carols to sing and not forgetting the delicious mince pies we have afterwards.

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS 2025

The whole school came together to light the 1st candle on the Advent crown and children were encouraged to bring a decoration to put on the school tree. Beautiful moments.

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE 2025.

Once again, the school had the homour of leading the joint village and school service.  Wreaths were laid by the village and all the children made poppies as marks of respect.  The 2 minute silence was observed with the last post being played by Mr Haig.  It was a very moving service.

PET SERVICE.  Autumn 2025.

The school tried out something new this year with the introduction of a Pet Service.  Two services were held- KS1 and KS2 and families brought along their pets.  We had all kinds of animanls visit un Miss Walker's tortoises!  The animals were so well behaved!

HARVEST FESTIVAL.  September 2025

This year's Harvest Festival took place in Swinderby Church and Reverend Vaughan led the service.  The children explored the theme of 'Food around the world.'  The singing was amazing!

Year 6 Church Schools Leavers Service

Year 6 had a great time at the cathedral celebrating with other Year 6 children who will soon be leaving the church school family to start their next adventure. We had a tour of Lincoln Cathedral, a singing workship with Jake from iSingPOP and explored the education centre. We even got to ask Jake many questions about iSingPOP at the end!

Class 3 performed their version of the Easter Story (April 2025).

Pancake Day races 2025

What a treat on Shrove Tuesday to be able to get out in the sunshine this year and hold our Pancake Races outside.  Everyone who wished to particpate did, including the adults!

Class 2's visit to the Lincoln Mosque

 

On Monday 10th February Class 2 were able to visit The Lincoln Mosque.

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE.  NOVEMBER 2024

The school and village held a joint service on November 11th.  Members of the congregation included families of pupils and villagers.  The choir sang, the children laid poppies, the Last Post was played and Grant Fillgham laid a wreath on behalf of the village.

The Easter Cross

As part of our work on Holy Week, every child in the school made a small cross which they then helped to build into a one cross.  The overall effect was amazing!  Each of us plays our part in creating one big happy school.

THE EASTER SERVICE.

On March 28th Class 3 retold the Easter Story.  This was told in both a moving and sensitive way.  Well done!

Shrove Tuesday- Pancake Races!

The children learnt about the importance of Shrove Tuesday in the Christian calendar.  Class 2 made pancakes and then on the Friday before half term the whole school had a chance to race with their pancakes!  Even the staff joined in the fun!

Diwali 2023

Our school family Diwali celebrations

Navrati where Lily went and celebrated and joined in with Garba, a type of dance traditionally danced during Navrati using sticks. Navrati starts the month long festivities, ending with Diwali

Diwali

How lovely to see a photo of Lily from Y3, celebrating Diwali at the temple with her Grandmother.