Collective Worship
Policy for Collective Worship
Introduction
At Western Church of England Primary School, we aim to serve our community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of the school's Christian foundation.
The school recognises this historic foundation and is committed to preserving and developing its religious character in accordance with the trust deed. We work in close partnership with the local parish church, St Paul's, and the Diocese.
Rationale
Definition of worship: worship has to do with worth and valuing things that have worth. It is an activity in which the school community, or a group within the school community, comes together to remind itself of, and to reflect upon, those values and beliefs which lie at the heart of the community and to which it aspires.
Developing an awareness and understanding of God is central to Collective Worship in a church school. We also help children to develop their spiritual awareness and an understanding of them-selves, other people, the world and the meaning and purpose of life.
Providing a moment of quiet and stillness gives everyone in the community time to reflect and helps them find time and space where God may be present.
We encourage an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and support children's growing awareness and understanding of God. We promote a set of constant values, based on Christian principles and this provides the golden thread that runs through the school's ethos. Through Collective Worship, we aim to create a sense of belonging, the capacity for growth and self-knowledge and to enable everyone present to reflect on the relationship between belief and behaviour, feelings and emotions.
Spiritual development explores beliefs, awe, wonder and mystery, the meaning and purpose of life, the relationship between belief and behaviour, creativity, feelings and emotions and self-knowledge.
The wisdom of faith traditions, including Christianity, informs the spiritual development of many people. Through this spiritual development people can measure themselves not solely in terms of their achievements but as an individual who is precious, unique and who has intrinsic worth.
Aims
1. To recognise, affirm and share the values which are held to be of central importance to our school: love, kindness, respect, commitment, courage, perseverance, tolerance, forgiveness, justice, compassion, honesty.
2. To celebrate and reflect on the fundamental questions and values in our own and other people's lives
3. To provide opportunities for pupils to explore and share aspects of Christian belief and teaching and consider the relevance of these to their own lives
4. To offer opportunities for acts of worship, such as prayer, praise, song, meditation, reflection and thanksgiving, relevant to the experiences of children
5. To promote spiritual development which explores beliefs and life's mysteries embracing creativity and a sense of wonder.
6. To encourage moral, social and cultural development and help create a sense of identity, purpose and direction in life
7. To provide times for the community to come together and develop a sense of unity, belonging and shared celebration
Guidelines
Collective worship is an important part of each day at Western. It reflects the school's trust deed, whilst respecting the integrity of all those present.
Planning and Themes
Collective Worship is planned within a coherent framework of themes for each term on a four year cycle. (See appendix 1)
The Headteacher co-ordinates the themes but other members of staff also contribute to the planning process.
The themes chosen contribute to children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Themes can be flexible to allow the presenter to respond to issues of the day or notable days in the religious calendar.
The pattern of collective worship over the week allows for groups of varying sizes to meet together to celebrate and reflect. (See appendix 2)
Presenters choose from a variety of methods to promote and maintain the children’s interest and to stimulate their imagination and response to the themes presented.
Opportunities for participation may be given during the presentation. Responses may be expressed through a variety of means e.g. silent thoughts, listening to a short passage, story or poem, or more overtly by actions, mime, drama, role play, chanting, singing, talking to a partner or dance.
Celebrating children’s personal, social and academic efforts and achievements are important aspects of some assemblies.
Atmosphere, Mood and Prayer
Generally music is played when children enter and leave the hall to create a calm atmosphere.
Time may be given for pupils to reflect on the stimulus. This time should be respected by all present. This important part of Collective Worship may be called “Thinking Time”.
Staff and pupils may be invited to listen as a prayer is read aloud. Sometimes staff and pupils may be invited to participate and respond to the prayer. The Lord's Prayer is fundamental to Christian belief and worship and will be presented to the children in a variety of ways. The school prayer will form part of our assemblies on a regular basis.
Visitors
We have established good links with the local church and regularly invite Reverend Seal and Mrs Mary Copping (Youth Worker at St Paul’s) to lead Collective Worship. Members of the local community and governors are also invited to lead collective worship on occasion. Visitors should be personally known, recommended from another school or met beforehand. They should be well briefed on the school’s aims and requirements, assembly themes, time allocation and organisation.
Parental Right to withdraw pupils from Collective Worship
Parents have a right to withdraw their child from Collective Worship, notifying the headteacher in writing. Children who are withdrawn from Collective Worship at their parents’ request are supervised by a member of staff.
Conclusion
By providing a range of content and approaches to our assemblies and Collective Worship we want to encourage a spirit of enquiry and discovery. We want to offer opportunities for our children to grow in their perception of themselves and others, the world around them and God, and that through this their lives will be enriched.
Drafted September 2003.
Reviewed by Foundation Governors and presented to the Curriculum Committee
Autumn 2006
Long term map for Collective Worship
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Autumn 2002 |
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a) Belonging: rules to help you belong and feel part of a community. Starting afresh, looking forward to the future, facing new challenges, striving for a personal best. What does it mean to be part of a school, a family, a community, a team? What is it like to be on the outside of a group? Rules, roles and responsibilities of belonging. |
‘Collective Worship in schools should aim to provide the opportunity for pupils to worship God, to consider spiritual and moral issues and to explore their own beliefs: to encourage participation and response through active involvements in the presentation of worship or through listening to and joining in the worship offered: and to develop community spirit, promote a common ethos and shared values, and reinforce positive attitudes.’ Circular 1/94 paragraph 50. School Standards and Framework Act.
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b) Opposites. To everything there is a season. There is a season and a time for everything under heaven. A time to work and a time to play. A time for planting seeds and a time for gathering the crops. A time for sunshine and a time for rain. A time for the darkness of the night and a time for the light of the day. A time for stormy weather and a time for quiet days. A time to remember and a time to forget. A time to speak and a time to listen. Watch for these times and changes so that you may understand the rhythm of life and feel its heartbeat. (Adapted from Ecclesiastes 3) Giving and receiving: Christmas. Christmas wishes for the world. |
At Western Church of England Primary School, we encourage an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and support children's growing awareness and understanding of God. We promote a set of constant values, based on Christian principles and this provides the golden thread that runs through the school's ethos. Through Collective Worship, we aim to create a sense of belonging, the capacity for growth and self-knowledge and to enable everyone present to reflect on the relationship between belief and behaviour, feelings and emotions. We respect the integrity of all those present and aim to create the opportunity for spiritual growth. We believe spiritual development embraces the following: · Experiencing a sense of belonging · Developing the capacity for growth and self knowledge · Growing in their awareness and understanding of God · Sustaining their self-esteem in their learning experience · Developing their capacity for critical and independent thought · Fostering their emotional life and express their feelings · Experiencing moments of stillness and reflection · Discussing their beliefs, feelings, values and responses to personal experience · Forming and maintaining worthwhile and satisfying relationships · Reflecting on, considering and celebrating the wonders and mysteries of life | ||
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Spring 2003 |
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Summer 2003 |
Autumn 2003 |
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a) Giving and receiving. Gifts can be tangible or invisible. Invisible gifts are things like friendship, love, loyalty, forgiveness, hope. Gifts say something about the person who gives the gift as well as the person receiving it. It is important to give and not to count the cost. Christians believe that giving to someone in need is equivalent to giving to Jesus. Christians believe Jesus was a gift from God, sent with love. Saying thank you is important. |
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Fruits of the spirit. God in action. Whitsun/Pentecost. Appearances can be deceiving. Actions speak louder than words. You cannot see what is going on inside a person; you cannot see what they think or feel but thoughts and feelings result in actions. Actions are the result of the inner life of a person. Some people who are unhappy may have selfishness inside and the result may be lies and greed. Other people have a lot of good inside and this results in good actions like kindness, generosity and loyalty.
Christians believe that God in action or God the Holy Spirit acts in their lives and this helps them to produce 'fruits' such as love, loyalty, kindness, joy, self control, peace, patience, gentleness and faithfulness. This is particularly remembered at Whitsun or Pentecost when the coming of the Holy Spirit is celebrated. |
Celebrating and sharing talents. What is a talent? Dictionary definition: a special aptitude, skill or faculty; high mental ability. How are you smart? 8 ways to be smart (based on Howard Gardner's 8 Intelligences): music smart, picture smart, body smart, people smart, self smart, word smart, number and logic smart, nature smart. What qualities does a talented person have in each of these areas? How can we develop areas where we are not so talented? How can we celebrate the talents we possess and the talents of others? How can we share our talents with others? In sharing our talents can we develop other people and a sense of community and belonging? Talents can be seen as gifts from God and can be used to worship and praise God.
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b) Friendship. Jesus’ friends. Easter story and symbols. What makes a good friend? What qualities do we look for in a friend? Why are friends important? Friends are people we meet and choose to spend time with. They often have things in common with us…they may like the same things, have the same interests and hobbies. A true friend stands by you when things are not going according to plan. Jesus' friends Jesus had many friends. His 12 special friends were The Disciples. Within this group, he had three close friends: Peter, James and John. Jesus was a friend to the friendless ie people who did not have power or status within the community: women, children, the poor, the sick and those who were cast out of society. Christians believe Jesus is a reliable friend who never lets people down. Easter Jesus is welcomed and loved on Palm Sunday as he enters Jerusalem. He is rejected and hated as the crowds call for his crucifixion on Good Friday. Judas betrays him and the disciples run away when he is arrested. Peter denies ever knowing him. Jesus carries the cross to his crucifixion but remains dignified and forgiving. The grief and despair of Good Friday give way to the joy and hope of Easter morning when Jesus triumphs over death. Analogies/symbols used to explain the Easter story: The 'tomb' of the egg and the birth of the chick. The 'death' of the caterpillar in the chrysalis and the emergence of the vibrant, beautiful butterfly. The change of the water-bug to dragonfly. The darkness of night giving way to the light of a new day. The 'death' of winter and the transformation of spring. The dormant seed and the life of the plant. |
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Journeys. Travelling on. Journeys can often bring mixed emotions. Sometimes a journey is undertaken without knowing the destination or the dangers that will be faced on the way. Journeys can be a metaphor for life. Pilgrimages are special journeys to special, sacred or holy places. They often have a special purpose. People visit these places for a variety of reasons e.g. to thank God, to praise God, to say sorry, to ask for God's help.
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The senses. Appreciating our senses and understanding how they help us to live our lives safely and give us opportunities to wonder at the beauty and variety of sights, sounds, tastes, textures, smells in our world. Giving thanks for our 5 senses. Advent/preparation. Christmas Rainbow. |
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Spring 2004 |
Summer 2004 |
Autumn 2004 |
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a) Dreams and visions. The Old and New Testaments give many examples of God speaking to people through dreams and visions. Dreams are one of the ways in which God is seen to communicate with people. Dreams can show people how to live their lives and possible futures. When dreams come true, life can be transformed, sometimes for good and sometimes in a distressing way. Stories with dreams can have powerful messages for the way in which we live today. |
Think before you speak. Aim: to provide opportunities to reflect on what we say and the effect the words can have on others. Words spoken in haste may be regretted. Making and breaking promises. 'Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.' Is this always true? How easy is it to resist peer pressure?
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Welcome to God’s wonderful world. To give a sense of community and hospitality. To develop a sense of belonging to the school, to the human race. To gain an understanding of interdependence, friendship, harmony and tolerance. To explore the idea that God speaks to us through the wonder of the natural world and that we are guardians/stewards of the world for the next generation. |
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b) Lost and found, Easter. The symbol of lost and found is a powerful one in literature and stories across the world. Everyone recognises the joy of finding something lost and many know the frustration and occasional futility of the search. Christians believe the lost and found metaphor demonstrates the power of God's love and grace. Jesus can show people the way to live their lives. Metaphors: I am the way, the truth and the life. I am the light of the world. He comes to light the path and show people the way when they are lost. God is always ready to forgive and will go on looking for and waiting for the 'lost' to return. Titles of Jesus: The Light of the World, The Door, The Life, The Word, The Good Shepherd, The Way, The Bread of Life, The Christ, King of Kings, Lord, the Truth, Prince of Peace, The Son of Man, The Son of God, Alpha and Omega, Immanuel, Saviour, The Vine, The Servant. Jesus' job: Jesus was friend to the friendless, he befriended people who were 'lost in the wilderness' of life, those who had chosen the wrong path, those who were helpless or rejected by society. The Easter Story: the despair felt by Mary and the disciples at Jesus' death and the joy at his resurrection. |
Discovery. What does the word discovery mean? Finding out about something new. Exploring something for the first time. What are the most important discoveries in science, history, medicine, nature, places, technologies (inventions) etc? Archaeological finds, hidden civilizations, treasure. What is the greatest treasure? Beauty, wisdom, justice, truth, creativity, love? Discovering God .Discover your self. |
Signs and Symbols. To understand the significance of important Christian signs and symbols and other well known signs and symbols. Christmas. Christmas Acrostic. Suggestions only C-6H eg Candle, Christ child H-6S eg Holly, Holy R-YR eg red, reindeer I-Y3 eg ivy, icicles S-Y1 eg snow, stars T-Y4 eg tinsel, tree M-5D eg Mary A-5B egAngels S-Y2 Santa |
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Spring 2005 |
Summer 2005 |
Autumn 2005 |
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a) Working for change; building a better future; making a difference. The following assemblies explore the idea that we can all take part in building for the future, whoever we are and wherever we are. We will look at individuals and organisations who have worked for change in the past, and people and organisations who continue to help others and provide hope for the future.
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Stories, myths and legends Stories are a fundamental way to help people understand key concepts and to think beyond their own experience. Major themes can be expressed through cultural stories from religions and from traditional folk mythology. ‘When we consider a story we must not ask ourselves what it says but what it means.’ Umberto Eco The Name of the Rose Jesus was a great story teller. What are the meanings behind his stories? Key issues from cultural stories cover such themes as truth, goodness, fairness and friendship…
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People are unique – special qualities and talents. Belonging. Happiness. People are unique. We all have special qualities. Do we use our special talents and abilities in a good way or do we squander them? Christians believe that God made everyone and He knows and understands everyone. He knows what is in everyone’s heart. We are all individuals but we all belong to God’s family. We also belong to other groups: family, school, cubs, Brownies etc. What makes a family special? What makes these other groups special? Although we are individuals we all need to work together as a team and achieve a common goal. By working together at school we can become a community. A community looks after and respects everyone. |
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b) Themes from the Lord’s Prayer: Families, Heaven and Earth, Our daily bread; forgiveness; temptation, Easter, Resurrection and eternal life. |
Feelings, actions and words. Actions speak louder than words. Actions speak louder than words. A friend in need is a friend in deed. What do these sayings mean? How can they be applied to our everyday lives? How do you judge people-by their appearance or by what they say and do? What are people like on the inside? Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me? Is this true? When do words hurt? How can we deal with people and situations that are hurtful? What do you do if someone ‘annoys’ you? What do you do if you think something is not fair? Memories. |
Families and Homes. Key questions: What makes a house a home? What makes your family special? Why do we need to look after our planet? Focus: Recognising how fortunate we are to have a family, who look after us, love us and protect us. Our home is where we live with our family. Our home is special because we feel safe there. We should value our families and homes. Christians believe that God is like a father and He protects us. Many people do not have a family to look after them. Many children have been orphaned because of conflict, natural disasters or illness (eg Aids). Many people in the world are homeless because of conflict, war and natural disasters. Which organisations help orphans or the homeless? Christians believe that we are all part of God’s family. The earth is home to humanity and to all living things. We need to protect it if is to continue to sustain and inspire people. We need to recognise the inter-connectedness of all forms of life. Christmas.Capt Keith Dyde. Christmas wishes for the world. |
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Spring 2006 |
Summer 2006 |
Autumn 2006 |
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a) Going for Goals (SEALs materials). The focus of the assemblies is motivation and self awareness. Setting and achieving realistic goals is an important aspect of each person’s life. Skills and attributes needed: perseverance in the face of obstacles and barriers (resilience: the ability to bounce back after a set back, a mistake or a failure), taking responsibility, the belief that what you do makes a difference, making wise and balanced choices. Assemblies will look at role models, past and present who have set their sights on achieving goals and who have overcome adversity. Jesus’ example will be looked at more closely in the second half of term as we approach Easter. The children will have opportunities to think about their own personal goals and ambitions, and how they can get things done by taking the first step. |
Hopes and fears. Resurrection. Looking on the bright side. Having a positive attitude. Every cloud has a silver lining.
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New Beginnings (SEALs materials). ‘New beginnings can happen at any time. Each day, each moment is full of possibilities – the possibilities of being, in some little way, a new person.’ SEALs Starting a new school year is a special time for everyone. It is an opportunity to welcome new people to our community and to make our school a happy and safe place to be where everyone feels valued. A new beginning can be a time to ‘turn over a new leaf’, to look at things afresh and to set ourselves goals and achieve them through our own efforts and with the support of the whole team. The SEALs Unit aims to support a sense of belonging, develop self-awareness (knowing what makes us special), help children to understanding feelings (especially in new situations) and managing these feelings appropriately. It is designed to develop empathy so that children can understand how others may feel in new situations, develop their social skills, help them make choices and solve problems. It is also designed to help children’s growing awareness of their rights and responsibilities and enable them to set and follow class rules and charters so that everyone can work together happily.
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b) Co-operation and teamwork. Together, Everyone, Achieves, More. The Easter Story. |
WORDS: STEP – Sorry, Thank you, Excuse me, Please. Goodbye/Farewell. New beginnings, moving on, memories. Saying goodbye. |
Light and Dark John 8 v 12 Jesus the light of the world. Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall wander in the dark; he shall have the light of life.’ When Jesus used this analogy people at the time would have felt its importance. Jesus said he was the light of truth and the light that guides. ‘You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine that people may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.’ Matthew 5 v 14 Light is an important symbol in Christianity (and many other religions). There are many festivals that celebrate Light. Artists, musicians and poets have been inspired by the symbol of light. Advent, Christmas. Rainbow Christmas. |
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Spring 2007 |
Summer 2007 |
Autumn 2007 |
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a) Thankfulness, miracles – great and small; 100 Blessings. To consider the importance of thankfulness within our lives. Giving thanks is an important part of being human. When do we say thank you? Why is it important to say ‘thank you’? What prevents us from saying thank you…are we forgetful, too busy, too proud? Do we take things for granted? How does it feel when people forget to say thank you to us for something? How can we express our thanks and appreciation? The psalms are famous prayers/songs of thanks. Do the children believe in miracles? When asked about miracles, Albert Einstein said, ‘There are only two ways to live your life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle.’ Which way is better? Share everyday miracles eg frost on a spider’s web, the 5 senses, a sunset, clean water from a tap… Can we collect 100 blessings by half term on the board by the office? Moments, events, encounters, things you see, hear, touch, smell, taste, anything that brings delight, enjoyment or gladness. Each idea to be written on a petal which can go on a blossom tree which is part of the display. Make a note of what ever is pleasing: · The clouds · The pattern in wood · The wind in the trees · The first flower of spring · The colour of someone’s hair · A friend’s voice · Something unexpected · Something of beauty Christians believe that for all these miracles we should thank God: ‘This day and your life are God’s gift to you, so give thanks and be joyful always.’ Being thankful for families and friends will form part of the second half of term’s assemblies and will centre around the SEALs work on Relationships. |
Places – sacred places, special places, favourite places, personal space. What is a sacred place? What are the elements that make a place sacred/special? Why are these places important to people? How can a special place/sacred space be created in the classroom? What do you like to do to relax, calm down? Teacher and chn explore ideas: read – what is your favourite book? Listen to music – what is your favourite piece of music? Watch the t.v. – what is your favourite programme? Gardening, exercise etc. Planet Earth, Endangered species: Ask chn which animals are endangered in this country, in the world? The albatross. Tell the chn about the campaign to save the albatross. Collect stamps. See attached. Planet Earth: Practice the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Can chn give examples of each?
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Starting a new school year – responsibilities of belonging to a community. It is important that everyone feels that they belong to our school community; that they feel confident, accepted and valued. However, it is also important that we have the skills and confidence to deal with new situations and new challenges; that we can make friends with new people and feel comfortable in new places. Our new experiences help us to grow and learn about others and ourselves. It is important that we welcome new people into our community and help them to feel happy to be at Western. How can we make our school community really work? By caring for each other, by looking out for each other, by working as a team, by following the Golden Rules: RESPECT, by always doing our best, by taking responsibility for our actions and learning from our mistakes.
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b) Relationships and feelings (SEALs materials). SEALs Assembly: the theme for the second half term’s PSHE work is Relationships (and feelings). A follow up assembly is planned for Fri 23rd March. The idea is for each year group to present something in the whole school assembly. As there are 7 year groups it could be quite a long assembly so I suggest that KS2 present their work to the whole school on Friday 23rd March and that we have another whole school assembly on Monday 26th March at 3.00 pm when KS1 present their work. The suggestion in the SEALs materials is YR present something based on Fairness (That’s not fair), Y1/2 present something about loneliness and jealousy. Y3/4 present something about feeling guilty and how the situation can be resolved. Y5/6 present something on the theme of embarrassment and how to overcome these feelings. However, any work on strong emotions or relationships would be perfectly acceptable. Happy and sad feelings associated with Easter. |
Going places, journeys. These assemblies will link with the SEALs theme Going for Goals. The focus of the assemblies is motivation and self awareness. Setting and achieving realistic goals is an important aspect of each person’s life. Skills and attributes needed: perseverance in the face of obstacles and barriers (resilience: the ability to bounce back after a set back, a mistake or a failure), taking responsibility, the belief that what you do makes a difference, making wise and balanced choices. Assemblies will look at role models, past and present who have set their sights on achieving goals and who have overcome adversity.. The children will have opportunities to think about their own personal goals and ambitions, and how they can get things done by taking the first step. Going places: moving on. Y6 Leavers.
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Reaching your potential. Having a positive ‘can do’ attitude is important. ‘Aspire not to have more but to be more.’ ‘If you can dream it, you can do it.’ Christmas –lullaby, shepherds’ and kings’ story. |
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Spring 2008 |
Summer 2008 |
Autumn 2008 |
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a) Working together for a better future, making a difference by what we say and do. Hands as a symbol for positive action. One seed can start a garden, One smile can lift a spirit. One candle can light a room, One conversation can start a friendship. One step can begin a journey, one heart can love many. One person can make all the difference – that one can be you.
Hands as a symbol for positive action.
‘And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied; ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand in the hand of God. That shall be better to you than light and safer than a known way.’
Minnie Louise Hoskins From ‘The Desert.’ Quoted by King George VI in his Christmas Day Broadcast 1939.
Actions speak louder than words. ‘People look on the outside, but God looks at the heart’ (paraphrase of 1 Samuel 16.7) How we think and feel, how generous and kind we are and how we treat others, is more important than what we look like. |
God the Creator, God the Designer. To explore the idea that God speaks to us through the wonder of the natural world and that we are guardians/stewards of the world for the next generation. |
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b) Rights, respect and responsibilities. From Global consumer to world citizen. To encourage a sense of community and hospitality. To develop a sense of belonging to the school, the local community and to the human race. To gain an understanding of interdependence, friendship, harmony and tolerance. You never know when you are going to be sad, lonely, in trouble, in need of a friend, someone to look out for you, someone to stand up for you, someone to care for you, to love you, to be there for you |