Collective Worship

Worship is central to the life and purposes of our school and reflects the school’s Christian foundation. In Church of England schools, collective worship should be inclusive of pupils and staff of all faiths and beliefs, or none, invitational where all are invited, not required, to participate, and inspiring all to reflect on their lives and the world, wherever they may be on their journey of faith and belief. '

Collective worship in schools should aim to provide the opportunity for pupils to worship, to consider spiritual and moral issues and to explore their own beliefs; to encourage participation and response …. and to develop community spirit, promote a common ethos and shared values, and reinforce positive attitudes.’

One of the most important elements here in the guidance is the word ‘opportunity’. Whilst in church schools worship is an essential core element of school life, it should also be a voluntary act: there should be no compulsion to worship. Worship is an open invitation, but it is for pupils – and staff – to use that opportunity if they feel comfortable doing so. Worship in school is characterised by its inclusivity, invitation, and inspiration. Discussions in worship around local, national, and global issues prompt reflection on challenging injustice and making a difference, encouraging a sense of social responsibility and empathy among the pupils. Reflective areas in classrooms and outdoor quiet areas offer spaces for prayer and quiet contemplation, promoting personal spiritual growth and well-being.

At its heart we believe that collective worship offers pupils and staff the opportunity for all faiths and none to develop spiritually. Part of this is to offer to experience the presence, power and peace of God through prayer, reflection, singing and sharing.  It is important there is an opportunity to appreciate and respond to a variety of styles found in the diversity of the Christian church while enabling all taking part to develop an understanding of Anglican liturgy and the Trinity. In the context of the school as a Church school, pupils and adults understand spirituality as a personal journey of reflection, connection, and growth. The opportunity to explore and define spirituality enhances collective worship by fostering a deeper understanding of faith, whether the child has a faith or none, and encouraging individuals to engage meaningfully with spiritual concepts. The school vision, deeply rooted in biblical teachings, underpins and enriches the spiritual development of all members of the school community.

Collective worship gives pupils and school staff the opportunity to:

• Engage in an act of community.
• Express praise and thanksgiving to God.
• Be still and reflect.
• Explore the big questions of life and respond to national events.
• Foster respect and deepen spiritual awareness.
• Reflect on the character of God and on the teachings of Christ.
• Affirm Christian values and attitudes.
• Share each other's joys and challenges.
• Celebrate special times in the Christian calendar.

Collective worship is daily from 9.00 - 9.15, as follows:

• Prevent, values focused and worship committee collective worship
• Picture News weekly themed worship.
• Whole school Liturgical collective worship by Head of school or clergy (Parents are invited to attend regularly)
• Whole school collective worship led by Heads of school
• Whole school Celebration Worship by Head of School (Parents and carers are welcome to attend weekly at 9am on Friday)

The collective worship overview will be set by the collective worship lead to ensure coherent worship planning.

Worship is led by members of staff within the school, Reverend Jeanette Roberts and other visitors.

The impact of collective worship and the ways in which collective worship is an expression of a school’s distinctive Christian vision is an essential part of our school as a CofE school. Therefore, our collective worship is inclusive, invitational and inspiring for those of all faiths, and none, giving pupils, staff and visitors the opportunity to lead and evaluate. It should embody the school’s distinctive Christian vision and ethos, allowing for the celebration of this within the school community and those wider relationships.