Each week in Collective Worship, we hear a Bible story linked to our Christian Value. See below for photographs of our worship.
At St Mary's CofE (Aided) Primary School we have a daily act of Collective Worship, which is a central part of school life and a special time distinctive from any other school activity.
We gather together to:
- foster a sense of a Christian, caring community where God is worshipped and each child and adult is acknowledged and valued
- learn from the Bible
- provide an opportunity for prayer, reflection and spiritual growth
- reinforce our school values and mission.
Worship is interactive and captures the children's thoughts and minds. We create an appropriate atmosphere by using music, candles, pictures or other artefacts that act as a focal point for attention and thought. We place great importance in singing a wide range of hymns, using drama and also having a range of child- and adult-led prayer.
We plan weekly themes for our time together which reflect the pattern of the Christian calendar, such as Advent, Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, as well as using our termly Christian values. Worship is led by staff, children and visiting clergy, with key festivals held at our local churches and led by Fr Paul.
Children play a key part in planning and delivering worship. They choose reflective music and prayers, they share their views on worship and themes through pupil voice.
A Eucharist Service is held in school five times a year for the children, staff, parents and members of our local churches. It is a moving and very worshipful time in school.
Monday - Whole School Worship - around our value or the church's calendar
Tuesday - Songs of Worship - we sing together!
Wednesday - Class Worship
Thursday - Celebration Assembly
Friday - Rector's worship or worship at church
During these special times together we sing, reflect, tell stories from The Bible and explore the values.
Our Christian values are taught and recognised explicitly and follow an annual cycle.
Autumn 1 – Love
Autumn 2 – Hope, perseverance and courage
Spring 1 – Humility, service and forgiveness
Spring 2 – Compassion, wisdom, justice and peace
Summer 1 – Faith, trust and truthfulness
Summer 2 – Friendship, generosity and thankfulness
Please see below for the service booklet for our Eucharists.
Parents are entitled to withdraw their child/children from Collective Worship if they wish. Alternative provision for the withdrawn child is negotiated with the individual family.