Collective Worship

Collective Worship 

We dedicate part of the day called Assembly in which Collective Worship takes place. Collective worship is the unique heartbeat of a Church school and is offered as part of a wider opportunity for pupils and adults to encounter faith by engaging in conversations about God, both as individuals and together. This is a special and sacred time of the day where we come together as a community to thank, celebrate and receive wisdom and inspiration of some kind. It is an opportunity for children to consider spiritual and moral issues and explore their own beliefs.  

Worship may find expression in many different forms: in music, song, dance, drama, in words of praise, in prayers, readings and teachings, in listening, in thoughtful silence, in meditation, in contemplation of symbols, in the service the lighting of a candle and other symbolic actions. 

 A Sacred Place 

Collective Worship requires a special and sacred place. This is not just a physical space but  a place where the ambience is conducive to reflection and deep thought. It can be the classroom, school hall, local church or outdoors. Assembly time is ‘sacred’ in a sense that it should be a special time when the children come  together to listen, participate and respond uninterrupted.

It is also ‘sacred’ in a way that enables children to have a special opportunity to connect with God  or their maker and nourish their faith. This cannot take place in a rushed chaotic environment. For a person with no faith, this special time gives them the opportunity to ponder and reflect on the spiritual dimension of humanity. 

The act of worship as an opportunity to celebrate, thank and receive wisdom and inspiration of some kind. This wisdom and inspiration can be described as a ‘Holy or spiritual moment’.  This  may or may not be religious. 

The structure of Collective Worship

• Welcome and gathering with music, song or candles 

• Artifacts or pictures act as a focal point to help gather the children together. 

• Adult input such as telling stories, sharing experiences or performing drama. The children are involved  as much as possible; this may be through sharing their own ideas and experiences, listening  to a story, answering questions, taking part in drama, playing instruments or sharing class based learning. 

• Reflection:  A time of reflection or prayer related to the teaching including stillness and silence

• Sending out:  A blessing, a song or a thought for the day. 

Anglican traditions

Collective Worship is rooted in a number Anglican traditions including:

• Gathering and greeting through music, actions, symbols or words 

• A central focal point e.g a table, symbols 

• Prayer including Anglican prayers e.g The Lord’s Prayer 

• Responses e.g Amen, May the Lord be with you.

• Hymns/music including antiphonal singing (call and response) 

• The Bible as a source of inspiration and learning 

• Signs and Symbols 

• Candles

• Moments of silence for pause and reflection 

• Celebration of special events in the Christian calendar 

• Regular pattern of worship including rituals and routines e.g. prayer at the end, hands together,  chanting, antiphonal prayer etc 

• Colours to reflect the churches year e.g purple at advent, lent, white at Easter, Christmas, red Pentecost, green rest of the year

Spirituality

Spirituality in the context of collective worship can mean creating a supportive environment that encourages personal growth, moral development, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

It may involve exploring questions of meaning, purpose, and interconnectedness, as well as fostering a sense of awe, wonder, and gratitude for life and the world around us. It can nourish those of faith, encourage those of other faiths and challenge those who have no faith. 

Collective Worship aims to provide a time and space for reflection, contemplation, and sometimes spiritual development within a school community. This might include incorporating stories, music, art, meditation, prayer, silence and reflection activities that resonate with children's lived experiences and cultural perspectives. Above all Collective Worship can provide children with a holy moment and safe space to connect with something greater.

Pupil involvement

Children are empowered to organise and lead Collective Worship sessions, while younger ones actively participate in events like Harvest and Easter celebrations, which extend invitations to the community. 

When children take charge of planning and executing these sessions, they feel a profound sense of ownership. This ownership significantly boosts their involvement with both the content and the purpose of the worship.

Child-led Collective Worship cultivates a strong sense of community within the school. It brings students together, irrespective of their backgrounds or beliefs, to exchange experiences, values, and aspirations. Pupils can integrate a range of perspectives, traditions, and beliefs into these sessions, fostering inclusivity and celebrating the diversity present in the school community. This promotes respect and understanding for various cultures and faiths among students.

Through Collective Worship, students can explore themes related to social justice, environmental responsibility, and global citizenship. This encourages them to embrace social accountability and empowers them to enact positive change in their communities and beyond.