Collective Worship
Aligned with the Church calendar, we commemorate pivotal events in the Christian year, setting the foundation for our spiritual journey. We use the Fresh Approach Collective Worship Planning from the Dioceses of Canterbury and Rochester as an underpinning structure. Collaborating closely with our local church and vicar, we engage in weekly Collective Worship sessions as below:
A typical week…
- Monday – Whole School Assembly led by our headteacher.
- Tuesday – Whole School Assembly led by our headteacher or a visiting speaker.
- Wednesday – Whole School Assembly led by the Vicar or Bible Story team -
- Thursday – Praise Worship led by Teaching Staff –Singing Assembly.
- Friday – Whole School Celebration Assembly led by Senior Leaders with an open invitation for members of our school community.
We have created a Collective Worship Team, to allow children who have shown a particular interest in Collective Worship, to take a more active role in both assemblies and in developing areas for reflection around the school.
Inclusive, Invitational, and Inspiring
Inclusive: Our approach to worship embraces inclusivity, fostering a collective space where exploration, inquiry, and expression are encouraged. Students are empowered to ponder and question, with room for both participation and observation, affirmation and dissent. Collective worship is a collaborative endeavour, enriched by the diverse experiences and perspectives of our school community. We recognize the importance of involving students in the planning, leadership, and evaluation of worship, ensuring that all protected characteristics are honoured and celebrated.
Invitational: Our worship ethos extends a warm invitation to all, welcoming parents, students, and adults to engage authentically. While rooted in Christian tradition, our collective worship respects the presence and integrity of individuals from diverse faith backgrounds or those with none. Prayer is offered as an invitation rather than an obligation, allowing individuals to participate according to their own beliefs and inclinations. Reflection is always encouraged alongside prayer, honouring the multifaceted spiritual journeys of our community members.
Inspiring: Our collective worship endeavours to ignite inspiration, serving as a catalyst for personal and communal growth. It aims to provoke thought, challenging students and adults alike to ponder existential questions and examine the motivations behind their actions. Through meaningful engagement, worship becomes a transformative experience, motivating individuals to effect positive change within themselves and the broader community. Ultimately, our goal is to cultivate courageous advocates and reflective thinkers who are empowered to explore and deepen their faith, beliefs, or philosophical convictions.