Policy for Collective Worship
BLANDFORD ST MARY FIRST SCHOOL POLICY FOR COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
As a Voluntary Aided Church of England School, we welcome our responsibility of ensuring that our worship is consistent with the Faith and practice of the Church of England as stated in the Trust Deeds of the School. Worship will take place daily in the school or it may on occasions be held in Blandford St Mary Parish Church. As a Church Aided school we believe that Collective Worship should be an opportunity for all members of our school community to come together to worship God and to experience in words, music and silence, a sense of belonging and an appreciation of common values. It is a time to celebrate all aspects of school life and an opportunity for stillness and reflection within a busy, active day for our children.
Our School Aims for Collective Worship At Blandford St Mary we aim to: Re-affirm and practice the Mission Statement aims and values of our school; Deepen and widen a child's emotional response stimulating reflection and spiritual growth within the school; Celebrate achievements of the school and its members and special occasions such as Christian Festivals; Strengthen and support the School Community; Develop a sense of belonging, sharing, caring and responsibility.
we offer our children the opportunity to: Praise and reach out to God; Experience stillness and quietness; Consider the importance God may have in their lives; Reflect, respond and have reverence for things which are of worth and which have great meaning in people’s lives;
BLANDFORD ST MARY FIRST SCHOOL POLICY FOR COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
Consider the importance of prayer; Consider the relevance of worship in everyday life; Develop respect and sensitivity for the beliefs, and values of others, which differ from their own, regardless of age, gender, race or culture; Prepare for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences they will encounter in life; Lay the foundations on which to base a mature understanding and practice of worship in the future.
Our Approach Our assemblies are pupil-centred related to children's own experience and concerns. We: Celebrate Christian beliefs and values; Develop an environment conducive to worship and reflection – through music as children congregate, providing a special table with artefacts (candle, cross, natural objects) as a focus and the expectation of focused thought; Provide opportunities for children to respond through song, music making, hymns, drama, role-play, using Molly our puppet, visual arts, silent thought, prayer and discussion; Use language appropriate for the ages, abilities and background of our children. Promote understanding and feelings of awe and wonder, delight, love and compassion towards the world and other people; Ensure that all children feel valued and special; Renew values and help the children to find a sense of belonging.
BLANDFORD ST MARY FIRST SCHOOL POLICY FOR COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
Content and Prayer Collective Worship Themes are drawn from a variety of sources. They reflect the Church year and cycle of Christian Festivals; the curriculum as appropriate; the Personal, Social Education curriculum and the Religious Education schemes of work. Acts of Collective Worship are regularly linked with the community and the World. Outside speakers are invited wherever appropriate. Our parish priest Revd. Treeby leads our assemblies on a fortnightly basis.
In planning our Collective Worship Themes we have considered Learning about Religion and Human Experience – a body of knowledge focused on the Christian Faith - the ways in which religious communities express their belief, behaviour and values. Learning from Religion and Human Experience – concerned with children’s personal feelings, relationships, experiences, questions and responses to life. These two dimensions link with the Religious Education Policy of the school and the curriculum links within each class. The themes teach the children to reflect on serious affairs and offer them the chance to respond through a variety of activities.
At Blandford St Mary there is much for which to be thankful, much to praise, much to hope for and request. These elements are central to our prayers. The school has its own school prayer which is used at appropriate assemblies i.e. the Celebration Assembly.
BLANDFORD ST MARY FIRST SCHOOL POLICY FOR COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
Our Assembly Timetable
Day
Time
Content
Monday
10.20 – 10.35 am
Tuesday Wednesday
10.20 – 10.35 am 10.20 – 10.35 am
Thursday
10.20 – 10.35 am
Friday
8.55 – 9.10 am 10.20 – 10.35 am Alternating Key Stage assemblies focusing on age appropriate moral and spiritual issues, directly linked to SEAL
Whole school Collective Worship – introduction of theme Whole school Collective Worship Spring Term ~ Wednesday assemblies alternate between individual class led assemblies and School Council. Autumn & Summer Terms ~ School Council and Vicar's assembly. ‘Songs of Praise’ Including a time of reflection and prayer. Alternating Key Stage Celebration Assembly of the week’s work and efforts*. To include Collective Worship with children’s prayers and contributions.
Parents and visitors are made particularly welcome to this assembly when children will share their learning successes with the school. House points are celebrated at this assembly led by Year 6 House captains. The Community We have close links with the Blandford Parish Church. Mrs Baker (Headteacher) is a member of the Parochial Church Council and values the partnership that exists. The school shares in Parish services of Christingle and Mothering Sunday. A special Christmas assembly is held in school each year, and then repeated in the church for the benefit of both our parents and the parish. Our Harvest assembly is held in school and celebrated with our parents, and then repeated at Bryanston Court (home for the elderly) where our Harvest gifts are shared.
Legal Status The policy for the Collective Act of Worship is the responsibility of the governing body in consultation with the headteacher. The governors recognise the legal requirement for a daily act of Collective Worship and accept the requirement for Voluntary Aided schools to offer worship which is in full accordance with the schools Trust Deed in that it is ‘consistent
BLANDFORD ST MARY FIRST SCHOOL POLICY FOR COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
with the faith and practice of the Church of England’. Revd. Treeby is the schools current RE link Governor.
The Law Parents have the rights of withdrawing their children from collective worship, according to the 1944 Education Act. In such cases the school liases with the parents to provide other appropriate activities for the children to do at this time. All staff recognise the importance of attending all whole school acts of Collective Worship, however equally, they have the right to withdraw from Collective Worship.
BLANDFORD ST MARY FIRST SCHOOL POLICY FOR COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
Further Information Useful Documents and Resources S.B.D. B of Ed
Planning for Collective Worship 2001
ATL
Collective Worship: Policy and Practice 1995
DfES
Religious Education and Collective Worship 1/94
HMSO
School Standard and Framework Act 1998: Chapter VI
QCA
Exemplification of Standards in RE 2001
Margaret Cooling
Assemblies for Primary Schools
Frequently used websites
www.assemblies.org.uk www.culham.information/cw/assemblies