Spirituality in Collective Worship

As a Church of England Primary School we see our Collective Worship as a central part of school life. Our Collective Worship policy fulfils the statutory requirements common to all schools according to the 1988 Education Reform Act (and consolidated in the 1996 Education Act). It also fulfils the Diocesan requirements for a voluntary controlled church school which states that worship will be Christian in content with an Anglican emphasise.

Collective Worship is the heartbeat of the school. It provides the opportunity for our school community to daily share experiences, ideas and understanding. It is the context in which the language of spirituality, which we use as a school, is regularly shared. We also broaden this to involve the community in our regular worships which take place at St Simon and St Jude Church. The whole school attends the service at church and all parents and carers are invited to attend.

Collective Worship provides the opportunity for pupils to become aware of the importance of reflection and how our positive and negative experiences can be formative. It also provides a real sense of being present (now moments) which are often linked to invitations to pray.

Opportunities to reflect on the wows of life such as beauty and joy of the world are given, as well as time to reflect and empathise with the ow moments of disappointment or pain. Pupils are given time to consider their responsibilities to others and to grow in love and service. Time is given for celebration, both for the accomplishments of school members and to mark seasonal Christian festivals and celebrations in the calendars of other faiths. In this way pupils are offered time to be able to contemplate and develop spiritually.

 In Collective Worship we use 'Windows, Mirrors and Doors' to help support the spiritual development of the school community.