In Church schools the Anglican status of the school liberates those leading collective worship to build on the rich, lived diversity of Anglican tradition and identity. The Church of England Education Office Guidance defines collective worship as:
‘Worship is collective in that it involves meeting, exploring, questioning, and responding to others and, for some, to God. In the Church school pupils, their families and other adults can expect to encounter worship that is inclusive of, and fully accessible to, all.’
Collective worship is the unique heartbeat of a Church school and is offered as part of a wider opportunity for pupils and adults to encounter faith by engaging in conversations about God, both as individuals and together.
Worship takes place each morning. Year group worships take place twice per week in the main halls led by a member of the Senior Leadership Team and Heads of Year. For year groups not in the halls, worship takes place in tutor groups led by form tutors.
Collective worship follows the four phases of worship: Gathering, Engagement, Respond, Sending out. Tutor worships focus on the relevance of the theme to pupils by placing them in context of the local, national and global setting, while offering pupils the opportunity to reflect on different perspectives to deepen their own understanding and growth.
Collective worship gives pupils and school staff the opportunity to:
- Engage in an act of community.
- Express praise and thanksgiving to God.
- Be still and reflect.
- Explore the big questions of life and respond to national events.
- Foster respect and deepen spiritual awareness.
- Reflect on the character of God and on the teachings of Christ.
- Affirm Christian values and attitudes.
- Share each other’s joys and challenges.
- Celebrate special times in the Christian calendar.
Please find a link to the Faith at Home national campaign that supports the faith development and pastoral care of children and young people, along with a selection of sample videos available.