Introduction to Collective Worship at Pytchley CE Primary School.

Pytchley C E Primary School is part of Peterborough Diocese Education Trust (PDET). This policy for Collective Worship is consistent with the purpose and aims of the school and Peterborough Diocese Education Trust (PDET) as well as the Trust Deed upon which the school was founded.

• ‘To help each individual develop those qualities of mind, body and spirit, feeling and imagination, that will enable them to live a fulfilling life’
• Religious worship shall be in accordance with the faith and practice of the Church of England

As required by law [Section 6 of the Education Reform Act 1988] all pupils are expected to take part in an act of collective worship each day.

“Working together for each child to realise their God-given potential to flourish”

Aims and Objectives

In addition to the aims already stated, at Pytchley C.E Primary School, Collective Worship is at the heart of our life and work. We provide an opportunity for pupils and staff to worship in a traditional Christian style, which is consistent with the beliefs and practices of the Church of England.

Collective Worship

We believe that worship should be:

• To provide an opportunity for the pupils and academy community to worship God; 
• To enable the pupils and academy community to consider spiritual and moral issues; 
• To enable the pupils and adults to explore their own beliefs; 
• To encourage participation and response; 
• To develop in pupils a sense of community spirit; 
• To promote a common ethos with shared values and to reinforce positive attitudes; 
• To introduce different ways of worshipping. 
• Inclusive. Everyone can benefit and contribute, no matter what their personal belief or commitment.
• Appropriate to the age of the children.
• An important learning experience which enriches the life of those people who attend.
• A very special occasion, the purpose of which is to show reverence to God.
• Helpful to participants understanding of and identification with, the school’s vision, values and aims, promoting a sense of community.
• In line with the 1988 Education Reform Act, which states that collective worship should be 'wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character', we normally base our assemblies on the teachings of Christ and the traditions of the Christian Church. However, we conduct our assemblies in a manner that is sensitive to the faiths and beliefs of all members of the school. While most acts of worship in our school are Christian, we also hold assemblies that reflect the traditions of other religions that are represented in the school and the wider community.

Organisation of Collective Worship

We hold a daily act of collective worship. This can be either as whole-school collective worship or in individual classes. We conduct collective worship in a dignified and respectful way. Collective worship is a period of calm reflection. We regard it as a special time; we create an appropriate atmosphere by using music or other objects, to focus the attention of the children. We always light a candle to signify the start of worship. We invite the children to participate in prayer, reflection and hymns. 

During every Act of Worship, we create an altar at the front of the space. This displays the cloth (matched to the calendar), a cross a candle and a bible. This is set up by the school values Champions, who are advocates for the school.

The School Values of Friendship, respect, truth, responsibility, compassion and kindness are explored through our times of Collective Worship and we spend one term in every academic year considering each value. A Bible verse reflecting each value is shared at the start of each term. This verse is then shared by the whole school community during each time of collective worship throughout the term. Each termly focus is then broken down to last for a week. Worship is planned for the whole term in advance and they are shared with all via the school website. We take the themes of our worship from the traditions of the Christian faith and we reflect the festivals and events of the Christian calendar. 

• Monday Worship introduces the theme and bible link for the week.
• Tuesday Worship is class based and reflective.
• Wednesday Worship is led by the whole school reflecting and providing feedback.
• Thursday Worship is extended with a focus on hymns and music.
• Friday Worship is a celebration of the week and reflection.

All teaching staff are expected to lead whole school worship. As well as school staff, whole school worship will also be taken by children, who are Values Champions, local community guests and church representatives.

Other opportunities for prayer and reflection are given throughout the week that include: Lunchtimes prayer, school grace and in classes during class-based worship. 

The school council are currently developing a prayer garden with one of the school governors which will eventually allow for an outdoor space for children and staff to use for reflection. Worship opportunities are also offered to staff, children and their families as we attend services (e.g. Christingle, Christmas, nativity and end of year services in Church)

Each act of collective worship begins in a consistent way whether being led by adults or children. 

Evaluating the impact of Collective Worship on the School Community

The monitoring of the quality of worship involves:

• Regular review of the quality of worship through observation, feedback from various stakeholders and review of planning.
• On a termly basis the staff discuss the quality of Collective Worship and suggest ways this could be improved. This feeds into the next term’s planning, where possible.

Right of Withdrawal

Parents can request permission for their child to be excused from religious worship, and the school will make alternative arrangements for the supervision of the child during that part of the assembly. Parents and carers do not have to explain or give reasons for their request. This right of withdrawal complies with the 1944 Education Act, and was restated in the 1988 Education Reform Act.

The head teacher keeps a record of all children who have been withdrawn from collective worship.

Monitoring and Review

The Collective Worship policy will be reviewed annually and amendments suggested to the AGC for approval.

Faith & RE Gallery