In Church of England schools, collective worship reflects the traditions of the Church of England and develops learners’ understanding of Anglican traditions and practice.
Many schools work with the local vicar and other church members to plan and deliver acts of worship that are invitational, reflective and engaging. There is plenty of flexibility in the provision of collective worship to enable all pupils to benefit without compromising their beliefs.
Collective worship gives pupils and school staff the opportunity to:
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from acts of worship. Parental contact needs to be made with the Head of School to request this. Guidance for new parents on non-participation in acts of Collective Worship is given at New Parents’ Evening and is in the policy.
Our Christian values underpin school life across the whole school and we show mutual respect to those with different beliefs. Our core values which have been decided by the children, staff and governors are: Thankfulness, Forgiveness, Courage and Community.
During our Collective Worships we explore and reflect upon the values of: Responsibility, Perseverance, Courage, Friendship, Thankfulness, Forgiveness, Hope and Community, over a two year cycle. These values are explored in depth, through stories, scenarios, reflection and discussion. Children learn about and develop these Christian values in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
We have an act of Collective Worship every day. Sometimes this will be as a whole school, gathered together and led by the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher, on other occasions Collective Worship will be led by teachers for the year group or phase. Class worship is increasingly led by the children with support from their class teacher and allows values and themes to be discussed in more detail. Children are invited to write prayers for Collective Worship and can discuss themes with their peers during class worship.
Each worship follows a pattern of Gathering, Engaging Reflecting and Sending. During the worship; Bible readings and stories are shared, discussions based on the Christian value take place, music is played, quiet opportunities for reflection are provided and a prayer is offered.
Through worship children are made aware of world celebrations and other significant events such as Remembrance Sunday and Fairtrade Fortnight. A global dimension is also provided as children think about how Christians worship and celebrate in different parts of the world and the impact of Christian charities in the UK and abroad e.g. Christian Aid and Samaritan’s Purse.
As a church school, we work closely with the local church – All Saints’ – and are part of the Diocese of York. There are several times throughout the year where we participate in services in the church such as Harvest, Easter, Christmas and All Saints’ Day. We also carry out End of Year services for the children who are moving on to secondary school. Parents are warmly encouraged to join us for many of the school services held at All Saints’ Church, please check the calendar and newsletter regularly for these invites.
For more information about All Saints’ Church you can visit the website here http://www.allsaintshessle.karoo.net/
Or follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/allsaintshessle
Details of our policy: Collective Worship Policy 2023
