Collective Worship

Daily Act of Collective Worship

Our daily act of Collective Worship has a clear and authentic Christian message, whilst recognizing that many pupils and staff will come from different faith backgrounds as well as those having no faith.

Collective worship is an opportunity for the whole school to come together to reflect on our school values of hope, courage, justice, forgiveness and forgiveness as well as other moral values such as compassion, humility and reconciliation. Collective worship is also an opportunity to develop virtues such as resilience, determination and creativity in order to develop character and support academic progress. Children understand that this is a period of reflection, regarded as a special time and that they should be thoughtful, listen carefully to what is said and participate in singing.

Themes of Collective Worship

The themes of collective worship are taken from the School’s values and vision, and traditions of the Christian faith. The themes often reflect the festivals and events of the Christian calendar. Sometimes the themes of the assemblies reflect and build on topics that are taught as part of the School curriculum. The collective worship on a Friday reflects the achievements and learning of the children; two children from each class receive a Values Award, for demonstrating one of our school values during the week. Two children from each class also receive a certificate for demonstrating another achievement, the theme of which may change (eg Presentation, Effort, Above and Beyond). The merits earned by each House are also announced at a Friday collective worship.  

Collective worship is led by the Headteacher or other teachers, who are supported by Year 6 Worship Leaders.  It begins with a greeting and a call and response: ‘The Lord be with you’ – ‘And also with you.’ Following on is the message, which might be delivered through a Bible story, a story about an event or individual, a short play or through looking at pictures. This aims to engage children as much as possible and to provoke deep thought about the message.

We sing a song, accompanied by Mrs Verwoerd on the piano, and sometimes by the orchestra as well.

Collective worship ends with a prayer, read by one of the Worship Leaders. We often say the Lord’s Prayer with Makaton signs, or the school prayer, which reflects on our values.

The School Prayer

The School Prayer was written to reflect our values, and is said in a call and response manner, with the prayer leader reading the words in blue, and others responding by saying the words in bold.  

Dear God,

 When I say kind things, when I include everyone, and when I share and take turns

I show friendship.

When I put myself in others’ shoes, when I try to let go of bad feelings, when I say sorry when I’ve done wrong

I show forgiveness

 When I tell the truth, when I own up to things I’ve done wrong, when I do the right thing not the easy thing

I show justice

 When I keep trying, when I look on the bright side and when I learn from my mistakes

I show hope

 When I face my fears and do it anyway, when I try new things, when I stand up for others

I show courage.

 Gove me the gifts of friendship, forgiveness, justice, hope and courage, now and always

Amen

Child Attendance at Collective Worship

We expect all children to attend daily collective worship. However, any parent/carer can request permission for their child to be excused from attending religious worship and the School will make alternative arrangements for the supervision of the child during the period concerned. Parents/carers do not have to explain or give reasons for this. Parents/carers may also withdraw their child from RE lessons. This complies with the 1988 Education Reform Act.