A Church of England School

SIAMS REPORT

Our Christian Values

Collingbourne Primary is a Church of England School.

As a Church School we are committed to maintaining a high quality of teaching and the fostering of a safe environment wherepupils feel happy, secure and valued.

Celebrating the Christian Calendar

Our children have fun whilst learning about the important dates in the Christian calender. Shrove Tuesday pancake races and Ash Wednesday collective worship with traditional ‘Ashing’ for those wanting to take part are just a few examples of how we take a hands on approach to Christianity.  

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races!

Traditionally during Lent, Christians would give up rich, tasty foods such as butter, eggs, sugar and fat (some Christians continue to do so, in fact). Shrove Tuesday was the last chance to eat them – and what better way to do so than with a delicious pancake!

Ash Wednesday Traditions

Rev. Jo placing ash on the children’s foreheads in a sign of the cross, with the words of encouragement to ‘repent of your sins and be faithful to Christ’. 

Year 6 Leavers' Service at Salisbury Cathedral

Each year we apply for our year 6 children to attend the Leavers’ Service at Salisbury Cathedral. This is a unique and really special experience for our oldest children before they fly the Collingbourne nest!

It is a chance to reflect on their experiences of Collingbourne School and the Christian values it has installed within them over the years. It also encourages them to look ahead to the future with excitment and courage.

Patron Saints Days

We often visit St Andrews Church to celebrate the Patron Saint’s Days for England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

St Andrews Church, Collingbourne Ducis

St Andrews Church is a short walk from the back school gate across the Recreation ground. We take regular visits to the church for Harvest, Remembrence, Advent, Easter, Leavers’  and Saint’s Days services as well as to undertake detailed studies of the building itself and learn about its importance within the community.

St Mary's Church, Collingbourne Kingston

St Mary’s Church is a much larger church with historical links to our school from the days when the Collingbourne Kingston village school merged with the Collingbourne Ducis village school. We hold our Christmas Carol Services here every year.

Reaching Out in the Community

In the last week of every term we hold COMMUNITEA, we welcome people from our community in to school for a coffee morning and to be entertained by some of our children, whether it is a play, singing or showing off their work.

Our CHAMBER CHOIR have taken visits to the Ludgershall Memorial Hall to sing for the Community Outreach Group

Life Exhibition

Every year we take the Year 5 and 6 children to the Life Exhibition in Pewsey for a multimedia exhibition aimed at this age group. Using graphic panels, music and interactive tablets, Life helps children hear about the story of Jesus in a fun and exciting way. 

Our Vicar: Reverend Jo Reid

I have been Team Vicar in the Savernake Team for nearly 11 years.  I was born at Tidworth Military Hospital; my father was serving in the Royal Corps of Signals. In time, I, too, joined the Army and served with the Signals for 12 years, before leaving to pursue my calling to ordination, and I have been ordained now for 14 years.

My service with the military continues in a very different way – I am Lead Chaplain with the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force, a role I absolutely love!

I also love coming into the school to lead worship on Wednesday mornings.  We enjoy thinking about the bigger things in life and how Jesus can help us.  The children also know the Lord’s Prayer by heart and say it daily during worship.

The school has a close relationship with the two local churches – St Andrew’s and St Mary’s.  Since St Andrew’s is within walking distance the children spend more time there than at St Mary’s. The school Carol service is held at St Mary’s and the children are brought down by coach.

But all the other occasions – Easter, Harvest, Leavers’ Service, and Advent – take place at St Andrew’s Church.

I am also a School Governor and enjoy dropping into school occasionally to catch up with the staff and see what the children are up to.  It’s good to see a happy school community with children showing love and respect for one another.