Collective Worship
Inclusive, invitational, inspiring, outward-looking worship is a daily priority of the school. It is a natural, constantly evolving and meaningful part of our life here at St. Anne’s, which significantly supports our vision ‘’Building a community of love, respect and compassion enabling us to flourish together with minds to learn and hearts to care.’
in its contribution to the culture and distinctly Christian character of the school. The frequency and timings of collective worship is secure; timetables and policy statements confirm that all the fundamentals and essential requirements are met, that they reflect Anglican traditions and practices and relate well to our local church.
Worship themes, linked to Roots and Fruits, introduce topics which are diversified as the weeks progress and built upon in smaller acts of worship. This allows pupils to cement their knowledge and gives them time to reflect in and out of the worship environment, particularly through class worship. Biblical themes encourage thought and action, support pupils’ understanding of Christian values to develop moral and social attitudes and attributes and enhance opportunities for spiritual development. Links are established between the calendar of major Christian festivals. Worship has a distinctive Christian character, but is inclusive of all faiths and none and incorporates stories from other traditions, so that all children’s views and values are recognised and respected.
Worship has different forms to ensure it is as engaging and influential as possible with whole school theme -Mondays begin with Singing and Christian Mindfulness led by our Leadership Team, followed by separate key stage worship with all teachers on Tuesdays using the Roots and Fruits scheme. A second full school worship led by Reverend Brett on Wednesday. Intimate class worships unpick the theme further on Thursday, before celebration and praise later in the week. Each member of the staff team leads worship whether whole school, separate key stage or class-based. Weekly delivery by senior leaders, class teachers. Reverend Brett and the St. Anne’s Chaplaincy Team bring different Christian experiences and a variety of ideas and style to the messages given.
Pupils are invited to contribute, either through their instigation or via planned opportunities to share their understanding on a level at which they feel comfortable. Pupil voice groups have opportunities to plan whole school worships based on the themes discussed in their groups. In addition, every child participates in their Class Family Worship on a timetabled cycle during the school year, having the scope to plan, share ideas, then lead. These are based on one of our school values. For example Year 3 value is compassion and the children led harvest festival This brings teaching into modern relevance.
Major festivals in the Church year are celebrated by the whole school community in special acts of worship, both in Church and in school (Christmas, Christingle, Mothering Sunday, Easter, Harvest). Pupils lead the congregation, supported by the whole school. Christmas celebrated in church is always particularly memorable and the children rise to the occasion admirably.
Church Community
Our school, being a church school, has very close links with both St Anne’s and St Andrew’s Church. We have the privilege of holding all our Christmas Festivities inside the wonderful building of St Andrew’s Church. It gives the children the opportunity to sing at full volume and fill the church with the sound of young voices praising God in his house. Although the RE curriculum is distinct and separate to our Worship Time, children are encouraged in Worship when they visit St. Annes and Andrews as part of their RE syllabus.
As a Church of England school, we also take the opportunity to support many of the initiatives run by our local churches. Such as: supporting the local food bank, the Christmas toy appeal, photography competitions, decorating the church for Christmas, Easter and the local food festival.
Prayer
Pupils are taught a variety of prayers and Christian affirmations including familiar Anglican language and responses, with readings from liturgical texts appropriately presented. Older pupils can articulate the different aspects of the Trinity and over time younger children are developing their knowledge of the concept. Prayer plays a large role in worship. Worship leaders draw pupils to listen, but leave time for stillness and reflection, often linked to a personal challenge that the children can relate to in their everyday life in school and beyond, and a period of silence to consolidate understanding. All pupils, whatever their faith, are invited to participate with respect. Thankful and thoughtful prayer helps children to reflect on what has happened and to focus on what is to come, particularly at the beginning and end of the day. Pupils use a range of traditional and school-designed prayer but also show confidence to deliver self- written prayer in different situations.
Our Prayer Space events, also linked to values and explore Big Questions. They take place in a range of indoor and outdoor venues and are planned and run by Reverend Brett, school staff and the Chaplaincy Team. Interactive activities take place which explore world-wide issues with a Christian perspective.
Worship Environment
The mobile altar provides a focal point for worship, with its cross, candle and Bible on display, as memorable symbols to guide pupils in their reverence. The hall mural, ‘Jesus Light of the World Shine Upon Us’ was a joint project with a local artist, towards which every child made a pictorial contribution, forming a point of reference in depicting our planet’s natural world and providing opportunities to appreciate the wonder of God’s creation. Each classroom has a focal area with an interactive prayer table and Worship Board to remind the children that worship continues in class. Christian symbols, their meaning and relevance are recognised by pupils, being introduced within worship topics and then translated into classroom display and practice. Symbols, prayers and responses introduce pupils to the format and routines of traditional church worship, giving them points of familiarity when in services outside of school. The Prayer and Memorial Garden is used for any pupil requiring peace or a place to reflect and is always one of the locations for our Prayer Space events.
Parish and Local Community
School leaders work directly with the local parish which views St. Anne’s as a vital part of the church’s wider community. We have strong links between school and St. Anne’s and St. Andrew’s churches through our shared vision for school and parish, which greatly supports our collective worship provision.
