Collective Worship

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” Psalm 100

Charles Kingsley’s CE Primary School believes that collective worship is an expression of the school’s Christian Vison. It is a reference point from which all our activities, thoughts, feelings and school ethos are developed.

We aim to promote collective acts of worship, which are rich, meaningful experiences that are appropriate and significant to the pupil’s needs, age, development and interest.

Central attributes of an act of worship

At Charles Kingsley’s CE Primary School we will endeavour to fulfil the following ‘central attributes’ of worship:

Gathering        Making worship a special time of the day

Engaging         Using the best available techniques to stimulate interest in the content

Responding      Ensuring there is time and opportunity for individual, group reflection and thought, so those attending can respond in a variety of ways

Sending       Summarising the worship in a meaningful short message used to create an opportunity for those attending to implement the ideas covered and to conclude the worship

The centrality of prayer within Worship 

During the collective worship there will be a time for response and reflection, to ponder on a question, statement or thought. All worships begin with the School Prayer.  Within worship prayers may also be reflected in an invitational prayer, offered spontaneously by a child or adult, read out or recited.

Collective Worship Planning

Collective worship is planned systematically, so there is continuity, variety and clear focus on Christian beliefs and festivals. Worship is led by a variety of people that include school staff, pupils, governors, representatives from the parish church, members of different faith communities and members of the local community.

Organisation of Collective Worship 

At Charles Kingsley’s CE Primary School we hold a daily act of collective worship. This forms part of the school day. Throughout the week there will be a range of the following worship opportunities:

• Whole School Worship led Headteacher

• Whole School Worship led by teaching staff

• Whole School Worship led by the clergy of St Mary’s Church

• Whole School Worship - Open the Book

• Whole School: Worship through Song

• Whole School: Celebration Worship

• Classroom Reflection Worship

• Whole School Class led Worship

Current Theme - Spring Term 2023 (second half) 

The Journey to the Cross

This half term we will be reflecting on the concept of Justice using the Christian event of Lent and Holy Week. We will take time to explore the way that the Easter story influences Christian beliefs and practices.