What is Collective Worship?
In our Church of England (C of E) school, Collective Worship is a daily act of Worship involving either the whole school, key stages or classes, that aims to be broadly Christian in nature. It provides opportunities for participants to engage with spiritual and moral issues, explore their own beliefs, and develop an understanding of Christian traditions. Worship should be inclusive, invitational and inspirational, fostering respect and deepening spiritual awareness for all regardless of individual beliefs. Our shared understanding of spirituality is:
‘Spirituality is an individual connection with something greater than one’s self. It gives us a unique feeling of belonging, peace and contentment. It leads us to question, in awe and wonder, what it is to be human.’
Collective Worship is centred around our vision and Christian values – they permeate this sacred time. Our vision is for all members of our school community to be equipped to serve in God’s world and live life to the fullest. Our Christian values which stem from this are: Service, compassion, perseverance, justice, trust and courage.
Our Worship follows the structure: Welcome, Worship, Word and Witness. This structure aims to guide participants through a holistic experience of faith, from initial connection to practical application and outward expression.
- Welcome:This initial stage focuses on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
- Worship:This involves invitation to engage in various forms of praise and adoration, often through music, prayer, or other expressions of reverence.
- Word:This refers to the study and reflection on scripture, allowing participants to engage with God’s message and teachings.
- Witness:This final stage encourages participants to consider how they have been inspired to apply the Word in their daily lives and make a difference to others.
We measure the impact of Collective Worship by establishing what learning has taken place, whether or not participants were abe to get involved (and how) and how they will make a difference moving forwards.