Collective Worship

At St. Martin’s C of E (VA) Primary School, Collective Worship is inclusive and distinctive in the life of the school and provides experiences for pupils which are different to the experiences provided in a lesson as part of the curriculum. Daily acts of Collective Worship are meaningful and they positively contribute to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural life of the school and development of the children.

We believe that it is vital for all of our pupils to have time to reflect and be given the opportunity to express themselves, sharing each other’s joys, experiences and challenges, fostering respect and deepening spiritual awareness so that they can understand the world around them and become well-rounded citizens.

We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences, as well as the feelings, issues and beliefs others may have. It is important for children to see everybody as an individual and enjoy their own worship as one group without being exclusive to any particular faith. However, children with a faith commitment are able to worship appropriately, whilst those who are uncommitted can experience the act of worship. This level of inclusion is at the heart of every Collective Worship session that takes places at our school.

Collective worship gives pupils and school staff the opportunity to:

Our Collective Worship programme is planned based on a different Christian Value each half term. Learning opportunities are provided that deepen children’s knowledge about the world and are crafted to ensure that children have time to question and reflect.

Through Collective Worship, we are creating a generation of children who are provided with experiences which inspire them to understand, question and celebrate differences in thoughts and beliefs.

What our children say about Collective Worship:

Why do we have Collective Worship at St. Martin’s?

Worship is a time where we can talk about and talk to Jesus (Year 2 child)

Worship gives us the time to connect with God (Year 6 child)

Our school vision helps us to think about how we treat others (Year 4 child).

Worship is a time to praise and thank God (Year 6 child).

Worship helps us to follow in Jesus’ footsteps (Year 5 child).

What do you enjoy about Collective Worship?

I like it when we come together in the hall and when different people take part in worship (Year 5 child).

I like visitor worships as it’s good to meet new people (Year 3 child).

I like the fact that we can get involved in worship (Year 6 child).

I like learning about the different Bible stories (Year 4 child).

I like it because it is a time where we can be calm and it can help us (Year 5 child).

Does Collective Worship help you? Why?

It helps me to learn about God and Jesus (Year 1 child).

It helps me to think about the Christian values and how I should treat others (Year 5 child).

It helps me to learn the messages from God about how we can live our lives (Year 6 child).