News from our Schools
Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education appoint 2 New Community Hub Development Advisors
DSAT MAT Spotlight
As part of a new campaign we are highlighting a MAT a month, this month is DSAT!
St George's, Bourton has a festive time taking part
St George's school, Bourton were invited to take part in the South West Carols service and nativity
Bishop Canning's engages with The Archbishop of York's National Young Leaders Programme
Bishop's Cannings Primary school is asked to engage with the national programme centred around Young People Leadership
Diwali celebrations at Rushall
How one of our schools used technology to engage with Diwali
You are all an important piece of the puzzle!
The DBE send out cards to all Headteachers and CEO's to spread a little joy and let them know how much their work means.
Laverstock St Andrews takes inspiration from John Lewis
One school in Salisbury produces a magical video showing how we can all share Love.
St Mary's school prepares for the Nativity
St Mary's in Broughton Gifford have had good fun getting in the festive spirit
Pitton Primary school go Yellow to brighten the day for mental health
To raise awareness of mental health and support for Young Minds the children and teachers at Pitton all wore yellow.
Remembrance and Prayers in Great Cheverell
How a community comes together (but socially distanced) to remember those who fought and continue fighting in wars past and present.
Collective worship virtual training enjoyed by all!
The training the SDBE would have usually conducted in person has been moved to a virtual platform to help aid the continual professional development of our Collective Worship leads in schools across the diocese.
Bishop Cannings Harvest Soup Share with a difference
Bishop Cannings Primary School, celebrate harvest with an in-bubble Soup Share and an outdoor Harvest Festival.
Proud to be published! How vision can lead the design of a school's curriculum
Mark Lacey, CEO of the Salisbury Diocesan Multi Academy Trust (DSAT) worked with colleagues in the Church of England Education Office to write a chapter in a recently published book 'Unlocking Research- Inspiring Primary Curriculum Design'. With a focus on how school leaders can use their distinctive, Christian vision in curriculum development, this is a useful book for curriculum leaders and governors in church schools.
Schools welcome new students to their classes.
Westbury Leigh welcome new children.
The benefits of Outdoor learning
Dorset farmers prove they're a class act by hosting young pupils.
Stunning Spiritual Garden Unveiled
18 months ago, St Mark's Primary School, Swanage began to explore the possibility of creating a Spiritual Garden to be used by the children and staff of both the school and Little Birds Pre-School. Over the summer, this project has been completed and their dreams have been realised - we think they have achieved something really very special indeed!
Returning to School
At Shalbourne C of E Primary School staff and children have used technology to bring collective worship to the whole community as they have embraced the challenges of returning to school.
Saying Goodbye – Westbury Leigh Style
A creative way for Year 6 students to say goodbye to their primary school.
One student uses her locks in 'lockdown' to make a difference!
One student's generosity and kindness resulted in a lockdown haircut with a difference...
A Tale of Peace, Love, Joy and Togetherness at Stratford-sub-Castle School
How a school's community has come together through art, prayer and generosity in unusual times.
Annual Prayer Space goes ahead during uncertain times.
How a school has overcome adversity to provide a prayer space for their students and staff.
A New Library for Reflection and Calm
Five Lanes CE VC Primary School creates a beautiful space for reading
Instagram Worship Account Launched
School Leaders of collective worship were the first to hear of a new diocesan Instagram account which will celebrate the work of schools and highlight spirituality and worship.
Students Thriving and Growing during Lockdown
How schools have been encouraging their students to not only survive but to thrive.
Year 10 Students at Wyvern St Edmunds
Have you been wondering what it would be like for students returning to school in the current climate? One school shares what they have done...
Lean On Us
St Edwards RC-CE VA School creates a video of 'oneness' and support for their students.
Little People help with transition to Reception
How little Peg people can help the newest students move up to 'big' school
Thank a Teacher Day 2020
This Thursday was #Thankateacher Day, and messages of thanks to all staff who work in schools have been posted, emailed, hand-delivered, tweeted, sung and videoed right across the diocese.
Looking to the Rainbow – something special to share with everyone
We may not be all together at the moment, but schools across the country have been encouraged to join in with the Church of England’s #faithathome project, involving singing in a ‘virtual choir’.
Getting 'In the Mood' for VE Day!
Crockerton CE Primary School brings its community together through Music and Dance to celebrate VE Day!
Back together through song!
The children and staff of Holy Trinity CE Primary Academy have met again to create a ‘virtual choir’ to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
School's ANZAC video brings people together across the world
Sutton Veny’s ANZAC* Anniversary Service 2020 was decidedly different this year, but went ahead 'virtually', building community across the globe, with the help of great teamwork and a creative use of technology by both church and school.
Running for The Rocket
At the start of this term, Emily Mullord, headteacher at Shrewton CE VC Primary School, led a ‘back to school worship’ with a difference. Not only was it ‘virtual’ and shared to families by email and Twitter, but she hinted at a challenge she would unveil later in the week...
Giving a Helping Hand
Furloughed colleagues who would normally be working at the Diocesan Education Centre in Wilton have turned their hands to helping others. From sewing to calling vulnerable people or making videos to spread positive messages, read on to see what some of them have been up to.
Thank you - for the way schools are making a difference in their communities
In times of 'school closure' when school leaders, teachers and their communities are very much still at work, we share some words from the Diocesan Director of Education and just one example of ways that a school is making a difference in its community.
Values in Action - Compassion
At Wimborne St Giles First School, children have been reaching into to the community and living-out the value of compassion.
Saving Waste and Saving Lives
Even though school is closed for most, during Covid-19 distancing measures, the children at St James’ CE VC First School, Wimborne, are still thinking of and helping to improve the lives of others.
Rainbows of Hope appear in windows across the Diocese!
Railings draped with them, windows filled with them, pavements chalked with them; children and young people across the diocese are getting creative as they encourage passers-by to smile and help bring the community together - all through ‘rainbow power’!
DBE courses postponed
The DBE has made the decision to postpone all courses this term and have let all those who are booked on to them know:
How can we make Collective Worship even better in our schools?
Headteachers, teachers and clergy from Wiltshire involved in leading Collective Worship in schools took part in an after school workshop at Holy Trinity CE Primary Academy in Great Cheverell.
Believe, Achieve and Grow
Ofsted has praised one of our Wiltshire primary schools for enabling pupils to ‘live by the motto believe, achieve and grow’ as the school is graded ‘Good’ in all areas.
Bedtime stories in front of the fire
World Book Day was an incredible page-turner at one Wiltshire Primary school where it was ‘book o’clock’ all day!
"A very good start!"
One Wiltshire's school vision - 'Becoming the best we can be' - is being applied to their paperwork, with impressive results.
New School Leaders Welcomed
The team at the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) was delighted to welcome 12 school leaders new to their school’s headship for a morning of training, which concluded with a Commissioning Service led by Bishop Andrew.
KOF-ing up some funding
A group of Wiltshire schoolchildren calling themselves KOF (Kids Organising Fundraising) have been raising money for various charities including Cancer Research and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
Eco Gathering
On Friday 14th February, Eco Club at Sandford St Martin’s Primary School organised an eco gathering in support of the children around the world taking part in climate strikes.
Celebrating Collaboration
It’s 10 o’clock on a very ordinary weekday morning at St James VC school in Gaunts Common near Wimborne, and the 100 or so children are sitting quietly, cross-legged, waiting with obvious focus for proceedings to start... A report by Headteacher Jacqui Booth.
Reaching for the stars
Westbury Leigh Primary School spent a wonderful, clear-skied evening stargazing with the Wiltshire Astronomical Society.
"A sheer privilege and joy"
The Revd Philip Bromiley gives us his take on being a Foundation Governor in one of our church schools in Wiltshire.
Spirituality Day at Bishops Cannings
Bishops Cannings Primary School held a Spirituality Day after being awarded a grant from the Bishops Wordsworth Educational Trust.
Shaping young minds with Polydron
A school in north Wiltshire has partnered with a successful manufacturer to aid pupils' aspirations.
Young Voices in unison
Children from Forest and Sandridge School in Wiltshire have sung with a legendary pop star.
New reflection and sensory area in Okeford Fitzpaine
Okeford Fitzpaine Primary School has been successful with another grant application, this time through Allchurches Trust.
Put a dent in Loneliness
This Easter, schools in our diocese are being invited to 'ShareTheMiracle' locally and help 'put a dent in loneliness'.
What's missing from the Christingle?
The Children's Society Christingle Services have become a popular part of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany celebrations in our churches and schools, and are a great opportunity for whole communities to come together.
Pamphill's Wimborne Nativity
The children of Pamphill First School and Pamphill Pre-school teamed up to perform "a wonderful nativity in the beautiful setting at Wimborne Minster," according to Head of School Rachael Oliver.
A Messy Advent in Semington
St George's Primary School regularly opens up to its community in Wiltshire in creative, engaging ways - and Advent is no exception.
Vision and Values
Westbury Leigh CE Primary has been reviewing the school's vision for children to be inspired, aspire to their dreams, and for everyone to work hard to help them achieve these.
Commissioned into school governance
For Dan Roberts and Julie Walker, the evening of Tuesday 8th October was very special. It marked the beginning of a new phase for them both in their life and work in schools in our Diocese as Julie was commissioned by Dan and the Revd Wendy Cooper into her role as a governor at Ludgershall Castle Primary School (LCPS).
Westbury Leigh Remembers
At Westbury Leigh Primary School, the school community remembered together those who gave, and who still are willing to give, their lives for our country in securing a better future for everyone.
Melksham School Strikes Gold
Forest & Sandridge has been awarded the Gold Religious Education Quality Mark (REQM) by the Religious Education Council of England and Wales.
Cinders goes to church
How can a hamster help fulfil a school's vision for its pupils?
Switching to Solar
Our Diocesan Education Centre in Wilton has a new solar panel installation.
Education in service to the whole community
Our Director of Education has shared the Diocese’s vision for education and commitment to community with Dorset clergy and educationalists at a special breakfast hosted by Bishop Karen.
Respect for values
Seend CE School has found a distinctive approach to teaching values, as Headteacher Jackie Chalk explains.
A Silver Standard of Health
The Trinity CE Primary Academy in Devizes has achieved a Healthy Schools Silver Award.
A Blooming Success
Forest & Sandridge CE Primary School is extremely proud to have been recognised in the 2018 Britain in Bloom awards.
Stepping back in time at the Great Dorset Steam Fair
Year 5 Milldown CE Academy school children from Blandford experienced a poignant tour of the highly acclaimed onsite WW1 display at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.
An Enormous Pumpkin
It sounds like a children's story, but this Enormous Pumpkin is all too real!
Confirming the Vision
5 former Seend Primary School pupils, now at secondary schools, have recently been confirmed.
The More We Believe, The More We Achieve
The children at St James’ CE First School on the outskirts of Wimborne have created a magnificent tapestry depicting the parable of The Good Shepherd.
Expectations, Nurture and Love
St Andrew’s Primary School in Laverstock has scored highly in a recent inspection.
Welcome Back!
Canon Joy Tubbs, our Director of Education welcomes the staff, pupils and governors back after their summer break.
Water Good Idea!
Pupils at Alderbury and West Grimstead Primary School in Salisbury are discovering more about the natural world in their new outdoor classroom.
'I've had an Amazing Day!'
In a first for local Year 4 pupils, 155 children came to Wimborne Minster to celebrate their move to Middle School and, as one pupil remarked, it was an "amazing day"!
Excellence bears Fruit
Verwood CE First School has received plaudits in a recent school inspection.
"Be the best you can be!"
1600 of our Year 6 pupils were given the chance to celebrate their last days at primary school in style with very a special Leavers' celebration at Salisbury Cathedral.
Making a splash and jumping long
Two Poole schoolboys are celebrating national wins in atheltics and swimming.
Teacher of the Year Award in Poole
Congratulations replaced lessons when pupils found out their Head of History had won a Teacher of the Year Prize.
Generosity and Appreciation
Seend CE School's annual sponsored walk has raised £628 this year.
Singing Together
A 4-school choir hit all the right notes when they performed together in Salisbury.
Thy Kingdom Come - in Warminster
Thy Kingdom Come, the global wave of prayer, wasn't just an event for churches, as one Wiltshire primary school demonstrated admirably.
Pupils "proud of their School"
A Dorset church school where Ofsted inspectors described pupils as "proud of their school" has come out of special measures.
Recycling by Design
DSAT St Peter's School, north-west of Salisbury has collaborated with Wiltshire Scrapstore to produce three stylish designs using recycled and reusable materials.
Holding Hands Across the Earth
Trent Young's CE School in Dorset has sent a unique interfaith message of support to a school on the other side of the world.
The Christingle Orange gets an apple makeover in Portland
Children in one Portland church school have been learning all about "the Holy Apple" this week as the Christingle Orange got a fruit makeover for the Summer Term.
You can recycle THAT?
National Waste-Free finalists in Blandford are showing us the way to go in recycling, upcycling, repurposing, and the circular economy.
Lights, Camera, St George's!
ITV has visited Semington St George’s CE VC Primary School in Wiltshire, which has made significant progress in the last two years. Local girl turned Head Teacher Jackie Chalk tells us more:
Lilliput's big vision of love, respect and service
Lilliput Church of England Infant School has gained Excellent plaudits in a recent inspection.
Making a Dent with an Egg
Special Easter eggs and handmade cards are one Dorset school's way of making a ‘Dent in Loneliness’ this Easter.
"There really is a donkey!"
Imagine you're a Primary School child. You're playing Jesus and you're told to go and find a donkey outside. And lo and behold...!
Shining a light and opening doors
Swanage St Mark’s Primary has been graded Excellent in a recent school inspection.
Poem inspired by Trout
A poem about not wasting water written by a pupil at Baydon St Nicholas Primary School was inspired by looking after a trout.
Lunching in Lent
A revolving catering team of year groups from one Dorset school has raised over £500 with their Lent Lunches for Christian Aid's Sudan Appeal.
'Learning Alongside' in British Science Week
A number of our schools recently ran conferences, taster sessions and workshops, some involving parents, to encourage science and engineering skills.
Towards Christian life, learning, and love
Woodford Valley VA Academy has been graded Excellent in a recent school inspection.
Followers open "wonderful" Community Café in school
"Whose great idea was this? It is just wonderful!" was the response of one young mum to the launch of a new Community Café in Salisbury's newest Church School as part of a joint venture between the school and local churches.
Can't wait to Open the Book
A Year 6 class in Wiltshire has written a special thank you letter to their Open the Book team as the national Bible story telling programme celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Here we come a'shroving
A Headteacher in Dorset says hers is the last church school in the country to take part in the ancient tradition of 'Shroving'.
At the heart of Rethinking Resilience
“The day put children and young people firmly at the heart of the day’s thinking” was the verdict of the team from the SDBE who attended the Church of England’s Foundation of Educational Leadership conference.
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