Collective Worship 

Our Collective Worship is a time when our school family can come together for reflection, learning, prayer and singing.  It is a time when we can be still together, engage and respond if we feel we would like to. This daily act of worship is central to our school vision and ethos and it is inclusive, invitational and inspiring.

Each term, our Collective Worship focusses on one of our Christian Values. This gives our children the opportunity to delve further into the value. 

Within each collective worship, there is the following pattern of gathering, engaging, responding and sending with simple phrases marking the different parts.

Every Friday there is a family worship where children’s achievements and birthdays are celebrated. Each week there is also a singing worship where songs and hymns are learnt to support themes and special moments in the life of the school.

Children visit the local parish church of St Mary’s, Bitteswell, for special celebrations during the school year, linked to church festivals to remember special events or happenings and for school events to which parents and visitors are invited.

Reverend Nigel from Lutterworth and Bitteswell Churches, alongside Ben Horrex and our Church Community family often visit our school and Church to lead worship.  There are also regular contributions from Lutterworth Methodist Church and our children lead Open the Book. We welcome speakers from other denominations, charities and organisations.

Music is a huge part of our worship: Hymns and songs create the opportunity for children to express prayers, thoughts and feelings that are difficult to put into words; and they provide a real source of pleasure. Members of staff select music appropriate to the theme and draw pupils’ attention to it by giving a simple explanation.  Pupils and staff perform live music which is a wonderful way to enhance our worship.

 

Prayer

 

Worship at St Mary’s is designed to be inclusive and invitational. All staff and pupils attend collective worship and worship content is thoughtfully planned using a blend of resources: Picture News (looking out), Living Our Vision and Values (looking in) and Values for Life (looking up) to ensure relevance and accessibility for all. 

Staff regularly lead worship, supported by the Head of School and RE Leader.  Children are inspired through storytelling, music, singing, drama, silence, prayer and opportunities to participate actively. Reflection spaces  allow pupils to pause and respond, express the impact of worship on their thinking and spiritual journey. 

Pupils write prayers and lead prayers in class and worship.  As a class, pupils are invited to pray before lunch and at the end of the day in addition to during worship.