Collective Worship
"Collective Worship is a treasured time at the start of the school day when the community gathers. It is fully inclusive allowing those of religious faiths and none to participate." SIAMS Inspection Report 2022
'Inclusive, Invitational, Inspiring'
The daily act of Collective Worship at St Mary’s follows the requirements of the 1988 Education Reform Act.
At St Mary’s, daily Collective Worship implies the recognition of a Deity and may be school or class based. Collective Worship is the 'unique heartbeat' of our school providing the opportunity for all our school community to learn, reflect and flourish.
A range of stakeholders are involved in the planning of Collective Worship, ensuring that it is always inclusive, invitational and inspiring (please see our termly plans below).
Our planning is in line with guidance given from the Canterbury Diocese, as well as tailored to our school's Christian vision and values.
In addition, our RE lead and EYFS practitioner use guidance from 'Principles for planning and leading Collective Worship in an EYFS classroom' to support Collective Worship in our Foundation Stage class.
Aims:
- To consider spiritual and moral issues which are of a wholly or mainly of a Christian character.
- To celebrate or reflect on things that are of worth.
- To facilitate the development of a sense of community, of belonging and of sharing.
- To encourage pupils to learn how to be part of large and small gatherings.
- To celebrate achievements of others within the school community.
- To develop understanding of, and reflect upon the value of, our environment and its importance in our lives.
Collective Worship weekly outline:
Monday – Whole School – Head of School
Tuesday – Key Stage Worship – Class Teachers
Wednesday – Whole School – Visiting Clergy
Thursday – Worship through singing - Senior Leader
Friday – Whole School Celebration – Head of School
Years R, 1 and 2 present the Christmas Nativity 2020
We hope you enjoy our performance.
Junior Carol Concert 2020