Collective Worship
Collective worship is a highly valued and set apart time in the school day and week, where the whole school community can gather together in a time that is honoring and worthy to God.
Collective worship in our school is explicitly based on the traditions of the Christian Church, however, it is also a shared activity that allows for a variety of responses, providing an opportunity for those of any religious faith or none to focus and reflect on stimuli which allow the human spirit to respond with integrity.
Our school is committed to respect the religious communities, or non-religious backgrounds, from which pupils and staff come. We want our times of worship to be an oasis, a place of spiritual refreshment for all. We focus on one Christian value each half term and plan our our Collective Worship accordingly with the support of our Collective Worship Leaders and Foundation Governors.
School acts of worship aim to:
explore the Christian faith with children and staff, especially to celebrate the C of E’s educational vision: Dignity, Community, Hope and Wisdom
give an opportunity, for those who wish, to worship God, and, for those who don’t, a clear opportunity to demonstrate respect for others
discover and celebrate key moments of the Christian calendar, and to enjoy and celebrate special moments of the lives of our school communities
help children to develop a sense of awe and wonder at the world around them, developing a spiritual dimension to their lives and personal relationships
strengthen and support the school community and celebrate the Christian belief that each unique individual member is made in the image of God
provide regular time and opportunity for reflection, enabling children to move from what is of immediate but passing concern to the broader and more lasting concerns of life
provide time and opportunity for thanksgiving and to enjoy the unity which derives from sharing friendship, acceptance, joys, hopes and fears, etc.
develop an awareness of and concern for the needs of others as well as personal needs
provide time to share with others the things they have been doing, their thoughts and ideas
help children to think about Christian values and how these might be shared and put into practice by all in school
give children experience of being active members of a caring community, who respond in a compassionate and civilised way to experiences of injustice, cruelty, exploitation, greed etc.