What is Collective Worship?
Collective worship strengthens and supports the distinctive Christian character of our school and enables children and staff to develop their spirituality. The pupils and staff coming together as a school family reaffirms our Christian vision and values, reflects the variety of traditions found in the Church of England as well as other Christian traditions, and recognises and follows the Church’s liturgical year. The daily Christian act of worship is central to our ethos and is supported by all staff and governors.
Leading Lights
The Leading Lights are a group of Year 5 children who are ambassadors for the school through their contribution to Collective Worship and support of our Christian values.
The children work through a programme to encourage them to take part in the school’s collective worship in a practical leadership role. This increases as children progress through each level. The core purpose of the Leading Lights programme is to develop children as leaders of worship, rather than simply as participants. It aims to give children increased ownership, to give them more informed choice in the elements of worship, as well as developing their confidence in being leaders during the act of worship itself and developing their own knowledge and skill set.
This includes:
- Lighting the candle
- Giving the greeting
- Announcing the song
- Writing and leading the prayers and reflections
- Bible readings
- Planning and offering drama
- Write and deliver (with adult support) acts of worship about charities and events e.g. Christian Aid Week
- Designing and arranging the physical focus
- Sending out or leading the blessing
Being a Leading Light is a privilege, but also a responsibility. Our Leading Lights are good role models in all aspects of school life as well as Collective Worship.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,”
Matthew 5:16
Collective Worship is valued by all our school community.
In worship I enjoy singing because when the whole school sings together it sounds lovely. (Year 5 pupil)
In worship I enjoy the calm environment and time to pray. Praying is important. (Year 6 pupil)
In worship I enjoy the time they give me to reflect. (Year 4 pupil)
Collective Worship is a moment in time in our busy work day to pause, to take a breath, to rejoice, reflect and think, as one big family. (Teaching Assistant)
Collective Worship is an important time in the day to feel part of the wider school, take a moment to reflect on God’s goodness and raise spirits with a good sing. (Class Teacher)
