At Northbourne CE Primary School, we have an active Collective Worship Group, with pupils from KS2 (Years 3 – 6) meeting together weekly to plan and discuss Collective Worship and to lead Whole School Collective Worship.

When the pupils meet, they begin by looking at the Collective Worship Plans from the Diocese of Canterbury and use this as a starting point to discuss and develop their own ideas on how they would like to lead Collective Worship for that term. They enjoy planning different activities that they can do and encourage others to do, which has included: drama, mime, freeze-frames, videos, songs and storytelling to name a few! This is an opportunity for them to consider how they can ensure everyone in school is involved and has an understanding of the topic being discussed; they show real empathy with others, drawing on their school and Christian values to show emotional intelligence and respect for others in their planning.

They always encourage all the pupils to reflect and give them opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas – sometimes writing these down quickly to make sure everyone can see them!

      

They take time to explore the meaning of the topic they are leading on, ensuring they have a deeper understanding of it before talking about it with others. This enables them to think carefully about how they want to present their ideas in a way which is clear and relevant to the other pupils in school.

  

Our pupils also lead a termly Sunday Service at St Augustine’s Church in Northbourne. This is open to all children who would like to participate and go to the Church for the Sunday Service. Pupils have used drama and mime to illustrate the theme of the service, as well as reading and leading prayers and singing with the Congregation.

Leading Collective Worship, whether at school or at St Augustine’s, enables our pupils to develop their confidence and leadership skills, as well as helping them to practically consider speaking in public, ensuring others can hear them and understand them. In preparing for Collective Worship or a Church Service, the children are able to explore more deeply the meaning of the different topics and seasons of the Church year, looking at the Biblical references and meaning as well as considering the relevance and impact on people today. We feel these are invaluable skills in preparing our pupils for the future as they develop their knowledge and understanding of the world around them and the role faith plays in people’s lives.