COLLECTIVE WORSHIP POLICY Reviewed by Date approved Date of next review Responsibility
Full Governing Body 01.09.15 01.09.16 Local Governing Body
Senior Leader responsible Nominated Governor Related Policies
Deputy Head (Pastoral) PSHE Equality of opportunity
Rationale ●
Collective worship is a requirement of the Education Act
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Collective worship is seen as an opportunity for students to experience religious worship and to have within each day with a time of quiet reflection
Purpose ●
To fulfil the legal requirement for a daily act of corporate worship
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To enable students to consider spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues and to explore their own values and belief
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To encourage the development of a group identity within both the tutor and year group
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To foster the corporate values and ethos of the school
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To act as a means of communication within the school for both students and staff
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To contribute to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural education and development of all students
Allowing students to:
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Become increasingly aware of themselves as individuals and groups within the school and wider community
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Grow in understanding of the feelings of other people in every day situations and beliefs
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Explore the language which people use to express their feelings
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Deepen their sense of wonder about the world around them
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Grow in confidence when making a presentation to the group or whole school
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Respond freely to religious and/or spiritual stimulus
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Acknowledge diversity and affirm each person’s life stance, whether it be religious or not
Guidelines ●
It is the responsibility of Pastoral leaders to ensure that a programme of assemblies is produced at the beginning of each term, which is of sufficient variety to engage the interests of students
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Pastoral leaders are required to link the content of assemblies to the year groups programme for personal, social and health education.
Collective worship will be: ● At least 50% Christian in both content and character ● Presented in such a way that all present can be included in the worship and reflection. ● Educational and complementary to the students’ religious education ● A gathering with a sense of occasion. This will require Pastoral leaders to ensure that there are sufficient seats for all students; that tutors understand their role in the proceedings; that music is provided at the beginning of assemblies; that students enter and leave in an orderly and quiet fashion
Furthermore this policy ● Recognises the rights of parents to withdraw their children from collective worship ● Recognises the right of teachers to withdraw from collective worship
