St. Peter's C.E. Primary School, Ashton

What is Collective Worship?

Collective Worship is an educational activity or experience to which all can contribute and from which all can gain   It is central to education in our school and forms an essential part of the school’s overall provision for prayer and worship.   Collective Worship in our school respects the diversity of belief and commitment, but it is Christian in character, reflecting in the liturgical tradition of the Church and having Christ at its heart. 

INTENT:

The aim of collective worship at St Peter’s Church of England Primary School is best characterised by the above statements. We seek to provide opportunities, formally and informally, for pupils, staff and sometimes parents, to worship together. Pupils are encouraged to participate and respond, either actively in the presentation of worship or by listening and joining in the celebration.

IMPLEMENTATION:

All pupils will celebrate an act of collective worship each day; generally, there will be three occasions each week when larger groups, usually whole school, will gather together to worship. These are: Monday Mission Setting Assembly led by Mr Wilson, ‘Picture News/Reflection Assembly’ and Wednesday Collective Worship led by Reverend Ben or Ethos Council. Worship Leaders also facilitate indoor and outdoor worship using our Reflection Spaces.  Collective worship will normally take place in various areas throughout the school, but occasionally, for specific reasons, children may gather in church to celebrate.

 Why Collective Worship?

 Collective Worship in our school provides opportunities for learners and staff to come together to worship God.

·         To reflect on spiritual and moral beliefs

·         To reflect on personal beliefs

·         To respond to and celebrate life

·         To enable and encourage a sense of belonging

·         To reinforce positive attitudes

·         To mark us as special

·         To come to terms with

·         To give worth to

·         To wonder at

·         To build a firm foundation for liturgy

·         To contemplate something of the Mystery of God

·         To take time out

·         To develop a community spirit

·         To enrich the religious experience of children and staff

·         To encourage a common ethos and shared values

IMPACT: 

The collective worship and RE coordinator collate and draw conclusions through evaluation forms and by speaking with the children, staff and other adults on the quality of acts of worship. Class worship leaders gather thoughts and feelings in class reflection books and in our RE themed week scrap books.

Monitoring is carried out throughout the year. Here the children, members of staff and parents are asked to share their views and feelings about collective worship, offering suggestions for any changes or improvements they feel are needed. Findings are passed onto the Head teacher, coordinator and governors on a regular basis. Suggested developments are discussed with the Ethos council and SLT.