Collective Worship

Collective Worship is a sacred time and place where children and adults have the opportunity to gain wisdom and learn to live well together and how to live life in all its fullness (John 10:10) through the word of God. It is a joyous, inclusive, invitational and inspirational occasion where the community comes together to thank, celebrate and receive wisdom and inspiration.  This can lead to a change in attitude and even a change in actions and behaviour.

A Spiritual Moment

The act of worship centres on a moment of reflection and inspiration that may lead to transformational change. This is the spiritual moment that can lead to spiritual growth. 

Structure

There is a planned programme of Collective Worship themes throughout the year. This programme is planned in advance and follows the Christian church year calendar. The resource we use to support this programme is Roots and Fruits.   In Roots and Fruits , 12 Christian values are explored in a 2 year programme of fully worked, creative material: Compassion, Courage, Forgiveness, Friendship, Generosity, Justice, Perseverance, Respect, Service,  Thankfulness. Trust, Truthfulness. Each Collective Worship follows a pattern and includes the four elements of : Welcome, Learning, Reflecting and Responding – which match the Windows, Mirrors, Doors approach we use for spirituality.

Anglican traditions

Our school’s collective worship respects and reflects Anglican traditions through a thoughtful structure and use of meaningful practices. Worship begins with a gathering and greeting, often supported by music, actions, symbols, or words that create a sense of welcome and shared purpose. A central focal point, such as a table or symbolic objects, helps establish a sacred space.

Prayer is an essential part of our worship and includes well-known Anglican prayers, such as the Lord’s Prayer, along with familiar responses like “Amen” and “May the Lord be with you,” to which the community replies, “And also with you.” Hymns and music, including antiphonal or call-and-response singing, help deepen participation and connection.

The Bible is used as a source of inspiration and learning, and signs and symbols—such as candles—remind us of God’s presence. Moments of silence invite pause and reflection, encouraging stillness and spiritual awareness. We celebrate significant events in the Christian calendar and follow a regular pattern of worship that incorporates rituals and routines, such as ending with prayer, placing hands together, chanting, or antiphonal responses. Colours reflecting the church year, such as purple for Advent and Lent, white for Easter and Christmas, red for Pentecost, and green for Ordinary Time, visually anchor our worship in the rhythms of Anglican tradition.

Worship concludes with a sending-out moment, which may include a blessing, a song, or a thought for the day, guiding our community to carry its learning and reflection into daily life.

Visitors

The act of worship centres on a moment of reflection and inspiration that may  lead to transformational change. This is the spiritual moment that can lead to spiritual growth. Our Worship is led by a wide group of people including the Head of School, teachers,  visiting Clergy and a lay member delivers Collective Worship once a week. Each week we have a Pray and Praise Assembly when children are encouraged to enjoy learning new songs which we use in our daily worship. We celebrate achievement each week at our Celebration Collective Worship. Many of the main Christian festivals are celebrated and we visit our local Church, St Mary’s during the year.