Collective Worship

We hold daily acts of Collective Worship, which are underpinned by our Christians Values and Jesus' teaching of the city on a hill shining it's light in the world. Matthew 5:14-16.

The pattern of Collective Worship is:

Monday -         Whole Collective Worship led by Head or Deputy Head Teacher

Tuesday -        KS1 Collective Worship/ KS2 class Collective Worship

Wednesday -   KS2 Collective Worship/ KS1 class Collective Worship

Thursday -      Whole School Collective Worship led by Rev. Anthony Howells from The Church on Fairford Leys

Friday -           Whole School Collective Worship and Celebration Assembly

Collective Worship is planned by our Distinctive Ethos Lead. She meets with the Worship Leaders each half term to discuss which value will be the focus for the next half term. As a Church of England school we follow the Litergical Calendar and celebrate each of the Christian festivals. We also learn about festivals from other faiths over a two year cycle. Children and parents are encouraged to participate in Collective Worship by sharing how they celebrate their festivals; helping to foster understanding and respect of each others differences and similarities.

Special Collective Worship Services

During the academic year all classes visit one of the local churches, either as part of their RE topic or for a service. The Church on Fairford Leys has close links with the school and is within easy walking distance. Links are also fostered with our namesake St Mary's,  Aylesbury and Granville Street Church.

The services include Harvest Festival, Remembrance, Christmas Carols, Christingle, Easter and Leaver's Services.

Collective Worship changes due to Covid

This September we have taken the decision to have a hybrid format for Collective Worship. The children have the chance to meet together in the hall for two or three of the Collective Worships a week. These involve half of the school, either Years 1- 3 or Years 4 - 6. This allows the children to have more space, Collective Worship can be made more age appropriate and enables us to stick with the normal pattern for worship.  Staff and pupils have enjoyed returning to the hall and worshiping with other year groups; for the younger children this has been their first experience of Collective Worship outside of the classroom.

Collective Worship takes place class in the classroom on days when it is not their turn in the hall. This is delivered with the help of video messages and pre-recorded PowerPoints from both staff and pupils. Class based worship has meant there is more flexiblity with to the time of the day their daily Collective Worship can take place. Each class uses their Worship Leaders to help with the Bible Readings, the greeting and prayers. This has led to more discussion based activities and a chance to increase Biblical vocabulary and understanding. Children enjoy seeing their House Captains announce the house points, as well as still being able to take part in events and festivals.

We will continue to review the pattern for Collective Worship and ensure the children can make the most out of these experiences.