Collective Worship
In all Church of England schools, collective worship reflects the traditions of the Church of England and develops learners' understanding of Anglican traditions and practice.
At Chester-le-Street CE Primary School we take part in a daily act of Collective Worship, these are mostly as a whole school, but there is also class worships twice a week which gives each class a time to ponder questions and values more deeply. We focus on a value each half term and consider how these might link to our core values of Thankfulness, Friendship, Compassion, Service, Endurance and Wisdom as well as in the wider community.
Occasionally Collective Worships take place outside, using either the playground or in our local church.
While it is a Christian act of worship, we welcome children of Christian faith, other faiths and no faith to our worship and ensure it is planned to enable all children and staff to benefit without compromising their beliefs.
Collective worship in our school gives children and school staff the opportunity to:
- Engage in an act of community
- Express praise and thanksgiving to God
- Be still and reflect
- Explore the big questions of life and respond to national events
- Foster respect and deepen spiritual awareness
- Reflect on the character of God and on the teachings of Christ
- Affirm Christian values and attitudes
- Share each other's joys and challenges
- Celebrate special times in the Christian calendar
Our Collective Worships take many forms. Sometimes they are quiet and reflective; at other times they are loud and interactive. Many different activities help us to give thanks to God and to celebrate being part of our community.
We are incredibly fortunate that we have a weekly Collective Worship led by a member of our clergy team: Rev Matt or Rev Dave. They also lead us in many celebrations and events throughout the year, such as Harvest Festival, Remembrance Day, Christmas and Easter.
Our Fridays, Collective Worship is a special time where we celebrate the week and all things we have achieved.
Our Worship Leaders are a small group of children who help to shape our Collective Worships by supporting the teachers in planning, delivering and evaluating our worships.
Collective Worship Intent
Guidance for collective worship (2021)
Collective worship is the unique heartbeat of a Church school and is offered as part of a wider opportunity for pupils and adults to encounter faith by engaging in conversations about God, both as individuals and together. This document, principally for Church of England schools, draws on our Vision for Education to set out an approach to Collective Worship.