Collective Worship

Collective Worship is Inclusive, Invitational and Inspiring

 

Collective Worship at St James Primary

At St James, we believe in the importance of coming together as a community to engage in collective worship. It is a special time where the community gathers to reflect, share experiences, and celebrate our values.  Collective worship plays an integral part in developing St James’ strong Christian ethos. Through collective worship, we provide opportunities for children and staff to explore many aspects of Christianity, including bible teachings and prayer.  Collective worship supports us to uphold our vision: Through respect, kindness, joy, wisdom and perseverance, we encourage each other to engage with our world and transform our future. Believing in ourselves. Believing in each other; and foster a sense of unity and belonging within our school.

 

Our aims for pupils and adults

 

To offer the opportunity for prayer, stillness, worship and reflection.

To develop an appreciation of faith, the teachings of the Bible and an understanding of Christian belief.

To explore the school's vision and values. 

To connect to world events and develop a sense of wonder.

To develop spirituality.

To recognise and respect all faiths.   

 

What happens during Collective Worship?

Each day we follow the structure - Gather;  Engage;  Respond;  Send

We enter the hall to an inspirational musician of the week, linked to a local or national theme. Music and songs are used to create a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere, enhancing the collective worship experience.

Through Picture News we provide opportunities for children to learn from our world and develop respect for other’s beliefs, feelings and faiths.

There is time for quiet reflection and prayer, where students are encouraged to think about the themes discussed and their own thoughts and feelings.

We actively involve students in leading collective worship, whether through readings, prayers, drama or sharing their own thoughts and experiences.

During weekly collective worship led by St James church, we use the key question for the week and make links with parables, or passages from the bible. We also attend St James church once a term, four times a year, where classes contribute to the service through readings, prayers and song.  We have representatives from Pathways and Muswell Hill Methodist church lead worship each term.

Collective worship is also a time to celebrate pupils hard work and demonstration of the school values. 

 

Parents and community involvement

We warmly welcome parents and members of the community to join us for collective worship on a Friday, when they are led by a particular class. We also encourage members of our community to lead on inspirational assemblies, strengthening our sense of belonging and reinforcing the values of St James.

 

Please read our Collective Worship Policy for further information.

Our Spirituality Policy further explains how we develop spirituality at school, not only through collective worship, but through our whole curriculum and personal development programme.