Collective Worship Information
Intent
As a Church of England School, our distinctively Christian vision and values are at the heart of everything we do. The vision and values were agreed following a series of consultations involving stakeholders from the school including pupils, parents, staff, governors and church representatives.
Our vision
We are built on Christian foundations where every individual is celebrated as unique. We aspire to be curious, compassionate, tolerant and active in a diverse world. We gather together to build a community that finds each person’s gifts and nurtures them that their light may shine. We hold a vision of success for all.
“Let your Light Shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven” Matthew 5:16
Our Values
Joy Forgiveness Justice Service Love
At Icklesham Church of England Primary School and Nursery we believe that collective worship is central to the life of our school. It allows us gather together as a caring community where every child and adult is acknowledged and valued. It allows us to share and discuss stories from the Bible and provide opportunities for prayer and reflection. We explore the school’s vision and values and build strong relationships with members of the school and church. Children are encouraged to think about current issues in the world and what they can do to being about positive change. Collective worship creates opportunities for children to explore and gain understanding of Christianity and other faiths, cultures and traditions. Children have opportunities to connect to God and welcome Him into their lives if they choose to. These daily sessions take place in the school hall or in classrooms. Services are held at the local church four times per year to mark key parts of the church calendar and school year. Collective worship is planned and lead by class teachers, the headteacher and the local vicar.
Implementation
All classes have a daily collective worship experience. These are held as a whole school, in key stages and in classes. Collective worship aspires to be invitational, inclusive and inspirational, and captures the children’s thoughts and minds and allows them opportunities to engage in their own personal reflection. We create an appropriate atmosphere by using music, candles, pictures or other objects that act as a focal point for attention and thought. We hold great importance in singing a wide range of hymns and songs, using drama and also having a range of child and adult-led prayer sessions. We plan weekly themes for our time together for the whole school year and link it to Christian teaching and to our Christian values. We also reflect the festivals and events of the Christian calendar in our weekly themes.
Children from all classes participate in collective worship. We encourage and invite the children to share their work with others, read and write prayers, play instruments, sing or be part of a group leading worship. Year 6 pupils also take part in preparing the hall, ready for worship to begin. A weekly celebration time offers an opportunity to acknowledge and reward children for their achievements both in and out of school, often linked to our vision and values.
The school gives opportunities for children, staff, parents and governors to evaluate worship. Each class is encouraged to share their thoughts about daily worship in their class; these thoughts can be added to the reflection spaces in each class.
Leaders of worship, including clergy, have access to regular training through Diocese training events, sharing good practice in worship and through other continuing professional development opportunities. Local clergy lead collective worship weekly sharing Bible readings, stories and prayers with the whole school community.
Impact
We aspire that collective worship offers our community opportunities to:
- be able to connect with God and welcome Him into their life, if they choose to do so
- develop their understanding of Christian values and use these when making decisions within their everyday actions in relation to others and the world that they live in
- have a sense of being gathered together, belonging as a valued member of both our school community and the wider community
- experience the liturgical traditions of the Anglican Church
- understand the importance of the Eucharist and belief in the Trinity for Christians
- have a good understanding of other faiths and show tolerance and respect for others
- have opportunities to engage in personal and theological reflection
- develop their understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible