Collective Worship Policy

1. Background

The Governing Body is mindful of its responsibilities under the Education Reform Act 1988 to:

• “ensure that all pupils at a maintained school... take part in a daily act of collective worship”
• “provide a broad and balanced curriculum which promotes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at school”

The Governing Body is also aware of its obligations under the Instrument of Government agreed with the Diocese of Peterborough:

“The School aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.

The Governing Body takes note of the Peterborough Diocesan Expectations of Church Schools and recognises that:

“Collective worship should have a central position in the life of a Church School.”

“Collective Worship in a Church School should be accessible to all present. This reflects the responsibility of the Church of England to serve the whole local community. It also reflects the Gospel teaching of God’s unconditional love for all creatures.”

2. Common Purpose, Core Values and Shared Aims

Staff and governors are committed to the common purpose of “striving for the highest quality of education with a strong Christian ethos.”

One of the School’s five core values is Faith — “Everyone in School is invited to develop their understanding of Christian belief worship and lifestyle.”

One of the School’s two shared aims is “Challenging all students to achieve their full potential” and this includes “Spirituality — stimulating a sense of self awareness and the opportunity to explore Christian Faith.”

3. Nature and Style of Worship

Worship at Bishop Stopford School is intended to be inclusive but will reflect the Christian ethos of the School.

It takes place at:

• Morning registration time in tutor groups
• Morning assemblies in Year groups
• Fortnightly Eucharists in Year groups
• End-of-term services in churches and Sports Hall
• Voluntary services such as Eucharists, Lunchtime Events, Carol Service, Songs of Praise
• An annual School Eucharist which is open to all members of the school Community: Students, staff, parents, governors and friends.

Acts of worship will use the Bible to convey Christian understanding and belief, give opportunities for prayer, identify and celebrate events in the Christian year, address the needs of the School community, express praise, awe, wonder and mystery. A variety of elements will be involved, including dance, drama, music, readings, silence and reflection.

The adult leading or co-ordinating an act of worship respects the fact that students and staff are likely to be at different stages in their spiritual life.

All students will be offered quality experiences of stillness and opportunities for prayer in an atmosphere which is peaceful and open. We will strive to offer experiences which transcend the mundane. Students will be encouraged to respond in ways which are appropriate to them, recognising that nobody can be compelled to worship.

4. Worship Steering Group

The Worship Steering Group gives an opportunity for students to be consulted on all matters concerning school worship. The Chaplain will chair a monthly meeting of the Worship Steering Group to which students in all years are invited. Staff, Governors and local clergy are also welcome to attend. The Worship Steering Group will propose initiatives and innovations consistent with the School’s foundation and ethos.

5. Eucharist

The Eucharist is celebrated weekly in School as either a voluntary act of worship or as a collective Year Group experience. The celebrant (local clergy and/or the Chaplain) recognises the ecumenical context of the School and welcomes communicant members of non-Anglican denominations to receive communion. Non-communicant members of churches are encouraged to receive a blessing. There is, however, no compulsion for students or staff to receive communion or a blessing.

6. Parents

Parents are explicitly invited to a number of services. Although there is a statutory right to withdraw a child from collective worship, it is presumed that parents will support the School’s approach given its Christian foundation and admissions policy.

7. Role of Chaplain

The Chaplain plays a leading role in the organisation of collective worship:

• chairing the Worship Steering Group
• publicising weekly assembly themes and developing relevant resources
• organising a programme of speakers for assemblies
• planning the Eucharist and other services in consultation with others
• liaising with the Senior Team over all arrangements for collective worship.
• organising appropriate responses to local, national events

8. Leadership Team

The Leadership Team will support the Chaplain in his role and ensure that Collective Worship is well resourced, within the constraints of the school budget, including time for appropriate training.

9. Role of Staff

Staff, especially in their role as tutors, are expected to organise daily acts of collective worship in morning registration times on days when there are no assemblies. They are also expected to attend assemblies and Eucharists in a supportive and supervisory capacity.

10. Role of Governors

Members of the Governing Body are welcome to attend acts of collective worship, assist in the development of practice and to keep the School’s policy under review. It will be periodically monitored and evaluated at least once every two years.