Collective Worship
At St Peter and St Paul we have a daily act of Collective Worship, which is a central part of school life and a special time distinctive from any other school activity.
We gather together to:
- foster a sense of a Christian, caring community where God is worshipped and each child and adult is acknowledged and valued
- learn from the Bible
- provide an opportunity for prayer, reflection and spiritual growth
- reinforce our school values and mission.
Worship is interactive and captures the children's thoughts and minds. We create an appropriate atmosphere by using music, candles, pictures or other artefacts that act as a focal point for attention and thought. We hold great importance in singing a wide range of hymns, using drama and also having a range of child and adult led prayer.
We plan weekly themes for our time together, which reflect the pattern of the Christian calendar, such as Advent, Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. Worship is led by staff, children and visiting clergy, with key festivals held at our local churches and led by our School Chaplain, Father Stephen. To see our rota and themes for the Autumn Terms click here.
Children play a key part in planning and delivering worship. They choose reflective music and prayers, they share their views on worship and themes, they act as monitors and leaders and invite their parents to join us each Wednesday.
A Eucharist Service is held in school three times a year for junior children, staff, parents and members of our local churches. It is a moving and very worshipful time in school. Eucharist Services are usually led by our School Chaplain, but can also be led by our local bishops.
Each year, junior children are given the opportunity to take part in First Communion classes led by our School Chaplain.
Worship Leaders
Worship Leaders from KS2 are selected each year and support staff leaders in planning, implementing and reviewing worship in school. Their activities include planning and monitoring prayer spaces, completing 'Pupil Voice', and providing input for themes and prayers.