Worship

At our school, Collective Worship plays an important role in developing children’s character, supporting their understanding of positive behaviour and helping them to become thoughtful, respectful and responsible members of our community. Leaders and staff follow carefully planned half-termly worship themes, which can be provided upon request. These themes are often rooted in Bible stories, Christian teachings and the lives of inspirational individuals who demonstrate values that align with our school vision.

Each theme is explored throughout the week through a range of worship opportunities, including whole-school Collective Worship, phase worship and class worship. This allows children to reflect deeply on the message and consider how it applies to their own lives. Children are encouraged to explore what these teachings mean for their behaviour and choices in different contexts: within the classroom, on the playground, at home, within the wider community and when interacting online.

At the beginning of each half term, worship provides an opportunity to revisit, revise and reset our expectations around behaviour, conduct and relationships. Rather than simply focusing on rules and consequences, we aim to develop children’s intrinsic motivation to make positive choices because they understand the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Through reflection, discussion and prayer, children are supported to become compassionate, courageous and considerate citizens who contribute positively to the world around them.

British Values are woven throughout our worship programme and are explored alongside our Christian vision and school values. Children consider how principles such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance enable communities to flourish. By exploring these values through real-life examples, stories and discussion, children develop an understanding of how they can live well together, celebrate difference and play an active role within their school, local and global communities.

Worship is the heartbeat of the school and is the main platform for exploring the school’s vision:

"Our Christian vision is Loving, Growing and Succeeding Together. We put our hope in God, where every day counts and seeds are sewn in fertile soil. We lay up a foundation for the future so we can enjoy life which is life indeed. This we do together, with love."

The act of coming together as a phase and as a whole school provides children and adults with an opportunity to identify how we are a community, family and team. It provides a distinct opportunity to extend our understanding of faith and reflect on how this knowledge, coupled with our Christian Values, allow us to Love, Grow and Succeed Together. It is well planned and of high quality so that the whole school community is engaged on a journey of discovery, exploring the teachings of Jesus and the Bible; this is facilitated through the use of the 'Big Frieze'.