Collective Worship
At St Oswald’s, the daily act of collective worship is an integral and important part of school life. Through this, and in the general ethos of the school, we seek to promote our vision:
“We promote an inclusive and happy environment that nurtures potential, develops wisdom, builds integrity and inspires a love of life and learning.”
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
Together we learn to love and shine.
It is a time where we come together to share in God’s love and celebrate our achievements together. Our collective worship is based on promoting the Christian character and values which permeate the ethos of our school. As such, the contributions of staff, pupils, church clergy and other visitors are valued highly. Our worship reflects our Christian ethos and values. However, we are also committed to respecting other faiths and cultures, showing tolerance and understanding regardless of pupils’ beliefs. Children are encouraged to discuss and share their own beliefs and those of others in an atmosphere of respect, trust and compassion.
Aims of Collective Worship
Through collective worship we aim to provide children with the opportunity to:
- engage in worship that is considered worthy;
- consider spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues;
- explore their own beliefs;
- develop their spirituality;
- participate and respond;
- promote a common ethos and shared values;
- develop respect and sensitivity to the beliefs and values of others;
- promote respect, tolerance and understanding for those with differing beliefs and backgrounds.
Planning, Content and Detail
The themes for collective worship reflect our worship plan, which is generated with members of the school community and incorporates various aspects such as a values focus, the Church calendar, our school ethos and current events. Whole school collective worship takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The children enter the hall accompanied by a piece of music. The candle on the table is lit and the worship begins with a greeting. The children are involved in the worship, which finishes with a prayer. The candle is then blown out before any messages are given. The children then walk quietly from the hall as music is played.
Class or Key Stage acts of collective worship on Tuesday allow for more focused opportunities for longer periods of individual reflection and sharing opportunities based upon the week’s theme. The acts of worship are sometimes planned by children and sections may be led by the children when planned by an adult.
“Let your light shine before others” Matthew 5:16
The whole school ‘Shining Bright, Shining Light’ worship on Friday afternoon celebrates the children’s achievements both in and outside school. It begins with the lighting of the candle and a greeting. Teachers from each class choose two pupils to receive our weekly awards:
- Shining Bright: an award to recognise effort and achievement in class.
- Shining Light: an award to recognise good citizenship within our school community based on all of our school’s associate Christian Values.
Pupils receiving these awards are congratulated by the collective worship leader and presented with a certificate by the head students to take home. Other children are invited to congratulate them through a round of applause. House points for the week are also announced during this celebration worship. We finish with our school prayer and the candle is blown out to signal the end of the worship.
Every class leads whole school worship once a year and parents/carers are invited in to share the experience with the children. These are usually linked to recent learning and to the values that they have been focusing on.
Prayer and Reflection
Collective worship always includes a time of prayer and reflection. This is invitational. A range of prayers are used including the Lord’s Prayer, our school prayer and prayers written by the children and others. They are introduced in an appropriate manner with a short time of quiet.
At the beginning of the lunch hour, grace is said by either an adult or child in each class. Prayers are also said at the end of the school day. Every class room has an Area of Reflection. Children can use these spaces if they need a moment to reflect during the school day.
