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Welcome to
Swainswick
School Tours
Every day is an open day!
If you would like to book tour, please contact the school office.
Welcome to Swainswick Church School
"Let your light shine" (Matthew 5:16)
We are a caring, friendly and successful rural school.
At Swainswick we provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for learning, where children grow and thrive in a supportive atmosphere of high expectations.
Through our Christian values and strong partnership between children, parents, staff, governors and the wider community, we believe that children must be happy to become confident learners.
Learning is fun, creative and shared.
Our broad and balanced curriculum provides learning opportunities which are creative, exciting and challenging. Through our school code, safety, caring, achievement, resilience and friendship, together with our growth mindset philosophy, we support our children to be the best they can be. This enables the children to become confident, successful and independent learners, with skills they can apply in their learning through life and rise to every challenge.
We are very proud of our children; they enjoy learning, they are supportive of each other, they are polite and respectful, they work hard and make good progress.
Swainswick Church School really is a “light set on a hill” (Matthew 5:14), and it is a beacon of hope to the world around because of the light that the children shine.
We hope you find the website useful. Please contact us if you have any further questions, or would like to visit the school.
Weekly Roundup
It's been another wet but wonderful week at Swainswick. The children have been busy in class and produced some amazing work! On Monday, we welcomed Debbie Smith from Education Safeguarding Solutions. Debbie visits schools across the country to provide feedback on their safeguarding systems, processes and culture. She spent the day with us looking at how we keep everyone safe, and spoke with children about their thoughts. Pupils shared they feel Swainswick is an inclusive and
8 hours ago
DT in Oak
Over the last few weeks in DT, Oak Class have been building their motorised vehicles. They are now at a stage where electrical circuits are being added, and panels are being added for extra stability and style. In Science, the children have been thinking about why materials matter; they investigated the properties of materials using objects in the classroom and considered hardness, transparency and magnetism.
8 hours ago
Fun in Apple
We have had lots of exciting things happening in Apple this week! On Tuesday we investigated whether different search engines give different search results. The children chose their topic to search and found that Bing and Google do show different results. On Wednesday, we had fun in RE with a bit of acting. We thought about Good Friday including Jesus visiting the the temple, the washing of the feet, and the angry leaders. Across the week, EYFS have continued to explore the n
20 hours ago
Working hard in Hazel
It’s been another wonderful week for Hazel Class! In English, the children have begun their journal writing. They are re‑telling the incredible and heroic story of Ernest Shackleton and his crew — from their fight for survival in Antarctica to their ultimate rescue. In Maths, we are nearing the end of our multiplication and division unit. This week, the children have been focusing on division with remainders and have shown great determination and progress. In Art, we are cont
21 hours ago
Weekly roundup
It's been another fantastic week at Swainswick! On Wednesday, Langridge house had their reward for earning the most house points last term. They enjoyed hot chocolate and biscuits with a great extra break time! In collective worship, we thought about how and why people show perseverance when it comes to tasks that might seem overwhelming. We learnt about the Ocean Clean Up team and their efforts to clear the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and reduce plastics in rivers around the
Jan 30
Dancing Dinosaurs and Exploring the Americas - Oak
This week, Oak Class continued their journey into the world of computing by using “Scratch” to master more complex coding concepts. One challenge was to make the dinosaur sprite grow a bit bigger and pause before starting to dance! In geography, the children started to compare areas of the Americas using geographical terminology such as latitude, longitude, time zone and climate zone.
Jan 29
A busy week in Apple class
Apple have been busy bees this week! Reception have had a great time recognising, counting, and exploring 6, 7 and 8, and doubling numbers to 8, while year 1 have been measuring objects using non-standard units of measurement. In Art, we have practised making polka dots of different sizes to create effect and painted our pumpkins - they look amazing! Great work, Apple class!
Jan 29
Hazel Class update
In Maths, we’ve been diving into new methods to help us divide two‑digit numbers by one‑digit numbers. It’s been tricky at times, but Hazel Class have shown incredible determination—no challenge is too big for this team! 💪✨ In Geography, things got really exciting! We learned how to use compasses, and then we even made our very own simple versions… and they actually worked! 🧭🎉 And here are some colourful snaps from last week’s Art sessions, where we carried on exploring l
Jan 29
Weekly roundup
What a wet, muddy week! Despite the poor weather, it has been another super week at Swainswick, full of fun and creativity. We have continued to focus on perseverance as our Christian value. This week we thought about valuing the support of others and encouraging others to keep going. We shared examples of how we could do this, such as talking it out, making a plan, trying another way and being positive, and resolved to support each other in the week ahead. We also liked a
Jan 23
Pumpkin mad in Apple class
In Apple, we have continued to learn about Yayoi Kusama. This week we created our own clay pumpkins. We developed our skills with clay, focussing on rolling and joining clay segments to form a final piece. They look amazing! Earlier this week, we were inspired by pictures of the Great Wall of China and as part of a morning task activity, created our own version. In Science we explored how materials can change shape, testing a range of materials. We reflected on whether these
Jan 23
Hazel Class update
This week, Hazel have been working really hard on their maths. They have been exploring arrays using play-doh and Lego, and practising multiplying a three-digit number by a one-digit number. We have also been looking at different methods we can use and discussing which ones we prefer. In Geography, we have been recognising symbols and using what we learnt to draw our own maps in art. You’ll have to wait until next week to see the beautiful map pictures!
Jan 23
Happy Day Highlight, Brainercise and Science
This week in Oak Class, we started the day with a cheerful fact. On Thursday, we learned about nature: Daisies close their petals at dusk and open them against dawn, marking the beginning of a brand-new day. Our busy Thursday continued with an outside science investigation to find the relationship between the volume of sound and the distance from the sound source using a decibel meter. Continuing with “brainercise” this week, the children challenged their body and brain
Jan 22
Weekly Roundup
It's been a busy week, full of investigations, swimming and special visitors! In assembly, we continued to think about our Christian value, perseverance. We discussed how when something seems challenging, we can break it down into smaller, more manageable steps to help us get started. We reflected on any challenges that we are currently facing and what our first step could be. Remember, a journey won't start without that first step. A message from Mrs Simmons Whilst I haven
Jan 16
Oak Class Making a Splash
It has been an energetic week in Oak Class with afternoons at the swimming pool. We are proud of how the children conducted themselves – quiet and polite on poolside, with impressive perseverance in the water. The children developed their swimming strokes and tackled continuous swimming to build stamina. Oak Class have also started looking at North American Art with the artwork of John Singer Sargent. In a challenging technical exercise, the children were given half of a S
Jan 15
Apple class investigates...
Apple class has been full of investigations and questions this week! Reception have investigated mass and capacity, using balance scales and our new potion bottles. They even made their own balance scales using the outdoor equipment. In Science, we investigated the properties of different materials, using our scientific vocabulary and conducting a comparative investigation. Finally, we have continued our learning about the artist Yayoi Kusama by making polka dot collages and
Jan 15
Hazel Class Weekly Roundup
Hazel Class have had a wonderfully hands‑on week of learning. Science sparked plenty of excitement as the children explored how electricity flows through a complete series circuit. They experimented with bulbs, buzzers and motors, discovering how each component behaves when the circuit is correctly connected. There was a real sense of achievement as lights flickered on, buzzers buzzed and motors whirred into action. The children also enjoyed using switches to control their ci
Jan 15
Weekly round up
W e’ve had a super start to the term. All of the children have settled back into school really well, and with fantastic positive attitudes for the term ahead. Our value for the term is ‘perseverance’. During our collective worship on Wednesday, we reflected on what perseverance means and how we persevere every day. Linked to our new value, we have also been thinking about our growth mindset, reminding ourselves that it is important to have a positive attitude about trying new
Jan 9
A brilliant start to 2026 in Oak!
It has been a wonderful first week of the new term. We hit the ground running, getting straight back into classroom routines and exploring a New Year focus on wellbeing. We have started to explore the value of brain breaks and movement breaks as a way of resetting during lessons. We have learnt how these mental and physical breaks help us stay focused, manage energy levels and improve our learning by giving our minds a chance to “reset” between tasks. And a huge thank you
Jan 9
Welcome back and Happy New Year from Hazel Class!
We have had a fantastic first week back and it has been wonderful to see the children so settled and enthusiastic. As you know, the children have been taking part in swimming sessions this week, and their behaviour and attitude have been absolutely impeccable. They have thoroughly enjoyed their time in the pool and should be very proud of themselves. In English, we have begun our exciting new class text, Shackleton’s Journey by William Grill. The children have been fully imm
Jan 8
A fun start to the term in Apple class!
Apple class have started the new term by reading the book 'Cloud tea monkeys'. We were inspired by the Royal Tea Taster, who travelled the country to find the best tea to present to the King. The children decided to test their sense of smell by investigating different types of tea! The children were amazing at picking out different ingredients in each type of tea and used fantastic vocabulary to design their own magical cup of tea that they could share with the King. We have
Jan 8
Weekly Roundup
It’s been a jam packed week with lots of festive fun all round! On Monday, we celebrated together at Swainswick Church with our whole school Christmas service. It was wonderful to hear from readers in Oak, enjoy beautiful musical performances from children across the school and hear from Reverend Cath. It was great to hear reflections about this from families on the gate, who shared, “It was magical, such a lovely festive feeling at school,” and “Joyous! Lovely to see and hea
Dec 19, 2025
Oak and Apple Christmas party
Buddies in Oak and Apple class shared a Christmas party on Thursday. Everyone had lots of fun playing pass the parcel and enjoying some party food. Father Christmas even made an appearance!
Dec 19, 2025
Whole school Christmas Service
On Monday, we held our Christmas service in Swainswick Church. We heard from readers in Oak class, who shared the Christmas story from the perspective of different characters. They had written the work they shared in recent English lessons. All of the children contributed a musical performance- we heard 'Carol of the Bells' from Oak class, and 'Jingle Bells' from Hazel and Year 2. Apple class sang, "Bethlehems gone Baarmy!" and Hazel class shared a special Christmas poem they
Dec 19, 2025
Dec 19, 2025
Apple class Christmas decorations
Apple Class had a super time this week designing and sewing their own Christmas decorations! The final products look amazing!
Dec 19, 2025
Hazel class Christmas party
Hazel class enjoyed a wonderful Christmas party complete with crafts, party games and even a visit from Santa and his elf!
Dec 19, 2025
Weekly Roundup
It’s been a brilliant week. Apple class have wowed us with their brilliant production of Baarmy Bethlehem. All of the children have worked so hard and this showed in their amazing retelling of the nativity story. The children have loved taking part, with Mia telling me yesterday, “I just don’t want the shows to end!” At our performance on Wednesday, we welcomed the Chair of the board trustees from our MAT, Beverley Hobbs. She said that the performance was wonderful and really
Dec 12, 2025
Have you ever seen a cave painting in a cave? Hazel class have been getting creative...
Hazel Class have had another fantastic week! Maths : We’ve wrapped up our work on addition and subtraction and have started exploring multiplication and division. The children are doing brilliantly with the 9 times table, and next up will be the 7s and 11s! Art : Combining their painting and scissor skills, the class created incredible Stone Age cave designs – they look amazing! DT : All their patience, perseverance, and hard work have paid off. The children have completed th
Dec 12, 2025
The bells are ringing in Oak class
In Oak Class this week, we have been preparing our musical performance for Monday’s Christmas Service. Everyone is playing a musical instrument and thanks to our very talented George, the children have rehearsed well together to create a truly magical festive treat! We look forward to seeing you there.
Dec 12, 2025
Baarmy Bethlehem
Apple class have put on the most wonderful performance for everyone this week. There has been singing, dancing, party sheep- it's been a blast! We are so proud of how well the children have done learning all of their words and sharing these in front of an audience in the church- it really was a magical experience for everyone. Well done Apple class!
Dec 12, 2025
Christmas in Apple
Apple class have fully embraced the start of the Christmas season and had lots of fun decorating our Christmas tree. We have also been very busy practising for our Nativity this week. The children are doing a wonderful job- it is wonderful to see how confident they are with their parts and cresting action s fir the songs. It's going to be amazing!
Dec 9, 2025
Apple class explorers
On Friday, Swainswick joined a very special event, a once-in-a-lifetime live broadcast from Antarctica with Robert Swan OBE, and Jenny Cooke, co-founder of the 2041 School charity. Streaming 600 miles from the South Pole (in -20 degree temperatures), Rob shared stories from the ice, discussed the importance of protecting our planet’s frozen continent, and talked about why the 2041 School charity is important. The video can be watched here . We were one of 5,000 schools from a
Dec 9, 2025
Weekly Roundup
Swainswick is really getting into the festive spirit! On Saturday, Friends of Swainswick school organised and ran the most wonderful Christmas Fair. The atmosphere was so festive, and everyone had a great time. Santa even made an appearance, chatting with some children in his beautiful grotto. Click here to see pictures of Santa’s special grotto. Huge thanks to everyone who helped to organise the fair, supported on the day or attended the event. The children have also been l
Dec 5, 2025
News reporters in Oak class
In history, the class learned about Skara Brae, the remarkable Stone Age settlement uncovered in Scotland. We explored how its discovery offers insights into how Stone Age people were beginning to change their ways of living. The children put on their journalist hats to write and present their own TV news reports. They tackled the history of Skara Brae with enthusiasm, transforming Oak Class into a bustling newsroom! We recreated the excitement of reporting live from the sce
Dec 5, 2025
Slow writing in Hazel class
In English, we are nearing the end of our story The First Drawing and have been retelling it through a “slow write,” taking extra care with our grammar. On Thursday, the children were incredibly proud to read their work aloud to the class.
Dec 5, 2025
Dec 5, 2025
Archaeology in Hazel class
In History, the class became archaeologists for the week! After learning about the Cheddar Man and exploring the UNESCO site of Skara Brae, they carried out their own excavation of a piece of “prehistoric rock,” discovering a sabre-toothed tiger tooth and ancient shells.
Dec 5, 2025
Sewing Cushions in Hazel
In DT, we are getting ready to make our real cushions. On Friday we have been honing our sewing skills—threading needles, practising different stitches, trying applique, and sewing on buttons. Today, we began putting all these skills together to start making the final cushions.
Dec 5, 2025
Christmas Fair
Friends of Swainswick put on a wonderful Christmas Fair on Saturday. There was a popcorn machine, bric-a-brac, a teddy tombola and Santa even set up a beautiful grotto! Lots of children were able to chat with Santa about the big day! Thank you to everyone who arranged, supported and attended this event - it was lots of fun.
Dec 1, 2025
Weekly Roundup
It’s been great to welcome families into school this week for our parents evenings, and share with you the brilliant learning the children have been doing this term. Thank you for joining us. This week in assembly, we continued our discussions about this term’s value of thankfulness. We thought about things which gifts or items which are precious to us and how we might feel if we lost them. We then watched a video retelling of the Bible story, ‘The Lost Coin’, and considered
Nov 28, 2025
J2 coding in Apple class
Apple class have been creating algorithms using J2code. We have learnt that algorithms are a set of instructions which we can use to make a 'sprite' move around. We used different templates for our algorithms and began to learn how to debug our codes. Our next change will be to add more sprites and try the advances mode!
Nov 28, 2025
Science and Stone Age in Oak
This week in Oak Class, the Stone Age topic has truly captured the imagination of some the children! During playtime, they decided to recreate a Stone Age camp. With super teamwork and creativity, the children constructed a ‘campfire’ using sticks and stones. In our science lessons, the children continued investigating the fascinating world of sound, with a particular focus on pitch. The children used rulers to explore how different lengths can affect the sounds we hear. By
Nov 28, 2025
A busy week in Hazel class...
Hazel Class have had a really exciting and varied week! Maths : Working on 2, 4, and 8 times tables with arrays is a great way to build visual understanding of multiplication. Comparing arrays helps them see patterns and relationships—like how doubling and halving link the tables. DT : Learning to sew on a button and mastering the over stitch is such a useful life skill! It also develops fine motor skills and patience. History : Cheddar Man and Skara Brae are fascinating topi
Nov 27, 2025
Sound and water in Oak class
Continuing with our exploration of sound, Oak Class used rubber bands to change the pitch. The children created their own "string" instruments using rulers and rubber bands, experimenting with different tensions and lengths to see how it affected the sound. We also enjoyed a splendid cello performance. The sound created was simply beautiful and it was amazing to see such impressive musical talent in our classroom. On another note, what fun we had last week in the rain. Th
Nov 24, 2025
Apple class explorers
Apple class have had a super exciting week! We started off with a visit from David, who came to speak to us about his experience of climbing mountains! He very kindly brought in some equipment for us to look at and spoke about how equipment had changed from when he first started climbing compared to today. The children loved it. Reception have had fun this week sorting shapes, thinking about how many sides shapes have and the different ways we could group them. Finally, you
Nov 24, 2025
Weekly Roundup
This week, we have welcomed a number of visitors to Swainswick in the colder weather. On Tuesday, we held our second open Reception morning for families considering places in 2026. It was great to be able to share our learning and grounds with prospective new parents and pupils. It is brilliant showing new people around our school, and we often receive positive comments about the calm and nurturing atmosphere here at Swainswick. We also welcomed Debbie Smith, who conducted a
Nov 21, 2025
Stone Age in Hazel class
Hazel Class have fully immersed themselves in the Stone Age this week. The children wrote some fantastic diary entries from the perspective of Stone Age child and were incredibly proud to share their work aloud with the class. In the afternoon, we created our own cave paintings, using natural colours and Stone Age-style techniques. These artworks will soon be displayed inside our very own ‘caves’—shoebox creations the children are excited to bring to life.
Nov 21, 2025
Nov 20, 2025
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