The impact of collective worship on the school community is outstanding
Collective worship is central to school life and makes a positive impact upon the day to day running of the school.
This was summarised well by one clergy member who explained how ‘worship filters through into other things they [the pupils] do’. Worship is jointly planned by the Headteacher and clergy. Themes include the school’s Christian values and the key Christian festivals which are celebrated in Church throughout the year. The school is very well supported by representatives from all three churches they are linked with including clergy members and a children’s and youth minister. As a result pupils develop a secure knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith including an age appropriate understanding of more complex Christian beliefs such as that of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Parents too appreciate the support and visible presence of the clergy and children’s and youth minister. During their daily act of worship, pupils are given regular opportunities to pause and reflect upon Biblical teaching which often results in practical acts of service to others within the school and beyond. One such example involved pupils choosing to show acts of kindness to those sleeping on the steps of the church by collecting food for the food bank. Worship is specifically Christian but it is also inclusive of the whole school community. One clergy member described it as being ‘authentically Christian but allowing children of other faiths to flourish’.
Prayer is an important part of school life and is naturally woven throughout the school day. Regular opportunities for both personal and collective prayer are given. Careful consideration has been given to secure a rich learning environment which encourages pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The ‘Young Leaders’ enthusiastically shared examples of how their experience of worship has been improved as a direct result of senior leaders listening and responding to their views and comments. Governors do occasionally attend worship both in school and in Church, although they do not yet formally contribute to the monitoring process.
A whole school collective act of worship happens every day. Worship is a very important part of our school day and we aim that this is evident in our daily worship assembly.
Some of our favourite songs to sing
Our school choir proudly sang for a special BBC Songs of Praise episode marking a Christian charity’s milestone.
The programme, which was filmed at St Mary’s Church, Islington, and commemorated the 150 years of the Scripture Union. The Queen joined a congregation of friends and supporters of the organisation to mark its work encouraging children and young people to explore their faith.
Prayer and reflection are an important feature of collective worship. Everybody is invited to prepare themselves for the way in which they want or pray, and join in with ‘Amen’. You can help your child to learn our school prayer which was created by children at our school.
God Our Father, Bless our school, our teachers, our friends and bless each one of us. May we learn and play together, Always glad to help each other. May St. Mary’s live and grow, Happy in your loving care. Amen
We regularly share the Lord’s Prayer together:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
There will be opportunities when, in silence or to appropriate music, everyone is able to reflect. The atmosphere at assembly is very important, the way that we speak to children, the way they are expected to behave and the way in which they come in sets the tone.
Rota for worship
Monday – Headteacher Values and Worship
Tuesday – Singing and Praise
Wednesday –Worship
Thursday – Clergy
Friday –Celebration
Please read the following documents to find out more about Collective Worship at St. Mary’s school:
