Collective Worship

Collective worship is the unique heartbeat of our church schools and is a time each day in which we develop a sense of pride in belonging to our school community, when we explore moral and spiritual values in an act of worship and teach the principles of our Christian faith. We also use collective worship time to explore global and local issues and events, supporting children in forming and voicing their views and in becoming courageous advocates for change when they see injustice in the world. 

The daily act of collective worship is a legal requirement in all church schools. In a Church of England School it should always be Christian worship and it should reflect the traditions of the Church of England, developing learners’ experience and understanding of Anglican traditions and practice.

At Foston and Terrington our collective worship is of the highest quality and aims to inspire and affect pupils and adults. It should enable spiritual growth in all participants, whatever their faith or none. There is an opportunity for everyone in the school to participate, including the chance for pupils to plan and lead worship.

“I couldn’t wait until I was in Year 5 and 6 and could lead collective worship.” (Year 6 pupil)

“Pupils look up to us when we lead collective worship.  (Year 5 pupil)

“Collective worship gives us time to be still and calm, which makes us question and look at things in different ways.” (Year 4 pupil)

We include opportunities to 

• understand the school’s Christian vision
• promote and affirm Christian values
• sing, pray and give thanks to God
• reflect on the characteristics of God and on the teachings of Jesus Christ
• listen to and learn from the Holy Bible
• celebrate special times in the liturgical calendar
• share each other’s joys and challenges
• foster respect and unity
• deepen spiritual awareness and reflection
• experience services of the Eucharist 

Collective worship has an effect upon the thinking and day-to-day actions of the whole school community outside the act of collective worship itself, impacting upon school life and on the daily lives of the members of the school community both inside and outside the school.

Pupil-led Collective Worship

During collective worship, children are welcomed using read and respond words and our reasons for coming together to worship as a school community. Collective worship takes on many forms and can be led by children and adults alike, but it will ordinarily include a prayer and a moment for quiet reflection and contemplation. 

Participation in Collective Worship

For collective worship to be truly effective and make a contribution to the Christian distinctiveness of our schools, it is an expectation that the whole school community be included. In particular, no pupils should be excluded as experiencing collective worship is their entitlement and an important aspect of being part of a church school.

We expect all children to attend daily collective worship, however, any parents/carers can request permission for their child to be excused from attending religious worship and the School will make alternative arrangements for the supervision of the child during the period concerned.

By applying to a church school, parents understand the school’s distinctive character and should recognise that collective worship is central to the life of the school.