Collective Worship

Collective Worship plays a central part in the life of St Chad’s CE Primary School. As an expression of the Christian ethos and spiritual life of the school, it offers the whole school community opportunities to experience/participate in/take responsibility for the living expression of Christian worship, valued and honoured through the school’s Anglican Foundation. This is invitational and set within the context of the community of our school and its historic partnership with St Chad’s church, Lichfield. We affirm every individual’s unique contribution, regardless of age, gender, ability, background or religion. We also strive to help pupils connect their experience of RE with worship.

Collective worship at St Chad’s also allows children the chance to learn more about our school values of faith, honesty and kindness, with explicit links being made to where these can be seen within Christian literature. We also recognise the importance of celebrating diversity within the world, and this is done within ‘Story Time’ worships. During these worships, stories from different cultures are shared with the children and the important messages within these are explored carefully.

The structure of collective worship has five key elements. These can be seen below:

WELCOME
When everyone in school has gathered together, the candle is lit to indicate the beginning of worship.

LEARNING
This is represented by a window. The learning part of collective worship is when a Bible story or text is shared in a creative way, with the important messages/values then being explored closely. Sometimes, a theme or big issue within the school, community or world is explored.

REFLECTING
This is symbolised by a mirror. This element of collective worship provides everyone with the chance to take time to consider how what they have heard, seen or felt has resonated with them or challenged them. Having the opportunity to be still and reflective is an important part of Christian spirituality and helps to prepare the heart and mind for prayer.

RESPONDING
This is represented by a door. This element of collective worship is sometimes known as the ‘sending’ part of worship. It provides everyone with an opportunity to consider how they might want to respond to what they have been exploring or learning about and then step out (as if through a door) into the world to try and make a difference and become ‘Agents of Change’.

BLESSING

At the end of each act of worship, the candle is then extinguished to signal the end of worship time. A short blessing is also shared.

The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales.

Registered Office: The Arthur Terry School, Kittoe Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 4RZ

Tel: 0121 323 1134

CEO Richard Gill CBE NPQH, NLE, FRSA

Company Number 07730920.

The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership is committed to keeping our students safe, both in school and the wider community. As part of our safeguarding arrangements, we have a two-way information sharing agreement in place with the local police authority. The agreement is compliant with Crime & Disorder Act 1998 (s.115) and Data Protection Act 1998(s.29.3; s.35.2.), and focuses on preventing young people from becoming involved or further involved in crime and anti-social behaviour as a victim or offender.

If you have any queries about the partnership policy, please contact Mrs S Bailey, ATLP Safeguarding Lead.