We are privileged to be building on the foundation of people whose Christian faith inspired them to pioneer secondary education for girls. Our aim is to encourage current generations of students to take their place in the wider community as people of compassion, responsibility and influence, at peace with themselves and with their understanding of God.
At the heart of our school life
Although rooted in the Anglican tradition we welcome people of all faiths and no faith, and we offer opportunities for all girls to explore the spiritual dimension of life during their time here. Students are encouraged to respect religious faith and to think for themselves: to question beliefs, to be open to possibilities and the unexpected, to respect difference and to listen to other perspectives. We are happy to enable girls of different denominations and faiths to join a local congregation if so desired.
Our student-led Christian Union engages in a number of activities such as welcoming visiting speakers.
We offer pupils the opportunity to explore the Christian faith through weekly classes. For some this will lead to confirmation in the springtime in the cathedral.
A belief in service lies at the heart of our school life. There are many opportunities for girls to volunteer with community service projects throughout their time at St Swithun’s and we regularly support local charities including Winchester Churches Nightshelter, The Basics Bank, and Naomi House Hospice as well as local schools and nursing homes. In addition, the girls nominate and choose three charities each year as our official school charities for which we fundraise over that year.
At the end of the spring term a highlight is Fundraising Friday, a whole school afternoon of student-run fundraising activities,including events such as a Colour Run and Sponge the Teacher. We have long-established links with our sister school in northern Uganda, and a pattern of visits to and from this school is becoming established.
I live on site and am available for anyone, whether student or staff, to chat to. The chaplain's office is hopefully somewhere where any member of the school family feels welcomed and accepted, and supported in any way that is needed. I can also regularly be found around the school, popping into departments, classes and boarding houses. My role extends to supporting the wider school family so should there ever be anything you would like to discuss, I can be contacted either by email or by calling the school.
Reverend Paul Wallington
Chaplain
A Series of Videos from the Chaplain
