Daily Collective Worship
Worship and spiritual celebration at St Edward’s is a time for joy and reflection when we come together as a community to share and build on our school’s Christian values. Whilst our masses, services and assemblies are guided and framed by our Christian values, they are open to, and inclusive of, all. Our students regardless of faith, or no faith, value and take part in these moments of quiet, respectful reflection.
In our acts of worship, we look to:
- Introduce all members of our community to Christian worship and practice and promote their involvement together
- Provide opportunities for spiritual development
- Create an atmosphere of inclusion, trust and free response from all
- Celebrate and develop the school’s values and ethos
Our Collective Worship
In Collective Worship, all members of our community are given opportunities for spiritual development as well as a chance to reflect on a sense of awe and wonder. Students and staff are able to experience worship within our beautiful parish church of St Edward’s several times a year. This provides a spiritual link to our local parish community and a time for deeper contemplation, clarity and peace within an inspiring and beautiful place of worship. Students are therefore able to take great comfort, as well knowledge and guidance from these services and masses.
This opportunity for theologically driven spiritual reflection, knowledge and wisdom underpins our whole approach to worship and permeates our whole school community. Each week throughout the school year, every year group participates in Collective Worship within the main hall of the school. These assemblies are based around a scriptural passage, feast days, significant events of celebration or remembrance. They are reflective of our inclusive and diverse community enabling all participants to access and have a connection with the important messages conveyed. The content challenges and stimulates with those conducting the assembly seeking to impart wonder and understanding whilst exposing our students to new experiences.
Students’ leadership and contribution is evident in the weekly assemblies, services, masses and other worship, and there are a wide range of opportunities for students to plan, support and lead assemblies alongside those members of staff doing so.
Students are given a further opportunity to explore and discuss the themes from collective worship in their tutor groups following the assemblies. Our Form Time Curriculum is structured around our HOPE values which links directly to the theme for the week.
•Humanity: We are honest and take responsibility for our actions; we are open, straightforward and transparent to build trust; we treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves; respect for ourselves and each other lie at the heart of our professional community. We know that we will achieve more together than we can alone.
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12
•Optimism: We believe that, through an unwavering positivity, commitment to improvement and hard work, we can all develop our abilities to be great. We act on feedback because we know that we can be better tomorrow than we were today.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
•Perseverance: We work hard and we are reliable. We reflect on our practice; address our weaknesses and celebrate our strengths. We work hard to master the knowledge of each subject and build the habits of learning.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
•Excellence: We do the right thing even when no-one is watching; We plan ahead with depth and detail and meet deadlines; we do all we can to be the best that we can be.
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Students and staff engage in reflective tasks that prompt debate, empathy and understanding ensuring that the knowledge gained has real life impact. Students are provided with an opportunity for reflection and feedback using Collective Worship reflections in their student planners to note their feelings, thoughts and perspectives.
Themes and Readings for Collective Worship 2022/2023
