The daily act of collective worship at Newtown Soberton Infant School follows the requirements of the 1988 Education Reform Act.

Collective worship is a time of togetherness and sharing for the whole school community. It is a recognition, affirmation and celebration of the worthiness of certain realities and values held to be of central importance to the school community.

PURPOSES

To provide opportunities for children:

1. To consider spiritual and moral issues which are wholly or mainly, of a broadly Christian character.

2. To explore and share beliefs and appreciate the importance of religious beliefs to those who hold them.

3. To participate and respond in various ways, i.e. through active involvement, listening or joining in.

4. To recognise a clear pattern (ritual) within the collective worship.

5. To consider basic religious concepts.

6. To provide a time for quiet reflection and prayer.

7. To explore feelings such as awe, wonder, mystery and joy.

8. To think of the needs of others and develop a sense of community.

9. To celebrate achievements and special occasions in respect of individuals within the school community and of the wider community.

GUIDELINES AND ORGANISATION

1. Parents have the right, under the 1988 Act, to withdraw their children from all or parts of worship.

2. It is a legal requirement that all children attend unless their parents have exercised their right to withdraw.

3. Teachers may retain the right to withdraw from collective worship but may be required to attend a whole school gathering.

4. The daily worship will take place on school premises and any acts of worship held off the premises are in addition to the statutory requirements.

5. If for any reason there is not a whole school act of collective worship each class will participate in an act of collective worship. This could take the form of Circle Time – see guidelines for the Delivery of Classroom Collective Worship.

6. Responsibility for the arrangement of collective worship rests with the Headteacher in consultation with the Governors.

PATTERN

At Newtown Soberton Infant School, daily collective worship usually takes place in the hall at the following times:

Monday 2.50 – 3.05 – Miss Eastwood/Reverend Stuart (fortnightly)

Tuesday 2.50 – 3.05 - Class Assembly

Wednesday 2.50 – 3.05 – Singing – Miss Eastwood

Thursday 2.50 – 3.05 – Mrs Alberti

Friday 2.50 – 3.05 – Star of the Week – Miss Eastwood

The pattern of collective worship at Newtown Soberton Infant School will be:

a. Children enter silently to music.

b. Focus – Story, picture, artefact etc.

c. Time for prayer/stillness.

d. Act of singing.

e. Exit to music.

Usually the specific focus of the worship will relate to the school topic and to the R.E. planning. Usually there will be a two weekly theme.

The law requires collective worship to be wholly or mainly, of a broadly Christian Character. There may be times when secular issues or awareness of other faiths and religious traditions may be raised. It should be recognised that the proper place for fuller exploration of these issues is within religious education.

EXPLORATION AND INTERPRETATION

Collective worship can be broader, richer and more rewarding if presented by a variety of people in a variety of ways.

Presenters can include:

Headteachers, other members of staff, Governors, visiting groups and speakers, groups of children and whole classes.

PRESENTATION

It can be a more enjoyable experience with added colour and interest if presented in a variety of ways such as dance, song, music, poetry, literature, drama, music, art and the use of religious symbols and rituals.

It can involve children in reflection, listening, discussion, meditation, prayer and singing.

Stimuli can include stories, poetry, artefacts, slides, videos, OHP, posters, music, works of art, food and the children’s own work.