Collective Worship
At All Saints’, we are committed to offering high quality, welcoming and inclusive Collective Worship; we whole heartily believe that it is central to fostering a strong sense of community. Collective Worship is meaningful and varied and we always aim to challenge and inspire the staff and children, recognising it is an essential component in allowing our pupils to flourish and to ‘live life in all its fullness’ John 10:10.
As in our school’s vision, Collective Worship not only reflects the development of moral values, but attributes to academic success. Senior leaders, teachers, Faith group and the children belonging to the Faith group, are involved in the planning and the delivery of Collective Worship, it is because of this, Collective Worship is constantly evolving and continuously being changed and dynamically being reimagined in order to keep it alive and inspiring. This planning grows from the local and global contexts, reflecting of culture, heritage and background of those in attendance. Collective Worship is invitational, allowing those with different faith or no faith to be present, allowing them to come as ‘near or far to the fire’ as they feel comfortable. Worship can take many different forms, for example, the use of outdoor prayer spaces and whole school worship in the halls. Pupils enjoy joining in and leading Collective Worship, allowing all who attend to be invited in conversation with God, both as individuals and together. Children are able to apply Jesus’ example in their day to day lives, and reflect on how Jesus may act in the same situation, ensuring the Christian message is always at the heart.
All children are given the opportunity to deliver class worship throughout the year; parents are invited to attend these. Our school has a proactive Faith Group Committee who can articulate the value of worship and are involved in evaluating it. Members of the church community, as well as, Father Christopher from All Saints’ Church, lead campus and whole school end of term services, as well, as key services throughout the liturgical calendar.
Songs and hymns are carefully planned to link to both the liturgical calendar and the Christian values, with staff highlighting key phrases from the songs and making Biblical links. Leading on from an action from our last inspection, the Trinitarian nature of God is referred to through acts of worship where we talk about God the Father (the Bible), God the Son (the cross) and God the Holy Spirit (candle). Members of All Saints’ church, and Governing Body, are welcomed in to school for worship as well as special events throughout the year e.g. Remembrance Service, Harvest and Easter and Carol Services.
They regularly attend as well as offering other support to the school through visiting classes, remotely or in person, and reading with the children in support of our reading initiatives. Opportunities to grow spiritually and to grow in prayer did not stop in lockdown, children and families were supported in their spiritual development through a ‘Journey of Hope’ which was led each week virtually. Worship remained accessible to all even during this trying time and was a huge part us feeling united and ‘together’ in the spirit of our of core value of Koinonia. Leaders and Governors monitor the delivery and impact of Collective Worship, reading and checking the pulse, as it is the 'heart beat' of the school.