Collective Worship at Gamston St Peter's CofE Primary School

"Be the best you can be... Shine like lights in the world." (Philippians 2:15)

At Gamston St Peter's, Collective Worship is a special time where our whole school community comes together to explore our Christian values, reflect, and grow in spirit. Rooted in our vision to "Be the best you can be" and "Shine like lights in the world," our worship is a central part of daily life.

What to Expect

Collective Worship at Gamston St Peter's is a time:

• to learn from Bible stories and share an understanding of God’s love, relating the Gospel message to our lives.
• to nurture core values like Kindness, Resilience, and Hope, linking them to the Christian faith through stories, readings, reflection, and prayer.
• to build a sense of community, celebrating achievements and special occasions together.
• where everyone is welcome to participate and engage in a way that feels comfortable for them.

Our Aims

Through Collective Worship, we aim to:

1. Affirm the Christian faith through active involvement in various forms of worship.
2. Explore meaning, value, and purpose for individuals, the school, and the wider community.
3. Promote knowledge of the Bible and Christian teachings.
4. Provide opportunities for awe, wonder, and reflection.
5. Develop a sense of community, family, and togetherness.
6. Celebrate achievements and special occasions.
7. Celebrate differences and diversity.
8. Develop awareness and sensitivity.
9. Appreciate symbolism and religious language, particularly within the Anglican tradition.

How We Organise Collective Worship

Collective worship usually takes place at 3:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, ending each day with Christian worship. Each term, we focus on an overarching theme, broken down into weekly topics. Pupils are encouraged to contribute their ideas and shape the worship. We use a range of resources, including ICT, artefacts, books, and guest speakers, to enhance our worship.

Every Friday, we hold a Celebration Worship at 2:45 pm to recognise pupils' achievements, awarding certificates for Kindness, Resilience, Hope, and Wonderful Work. On the last Friday of each half term, the whole school, staff, and parents attend a service at St Peter's Church.

Our usual collective worship timetable is as follows:

• Monday: Introduction to the week's theme.
• Tuesday: Singing Collective Worship.
• Wednesday: In-class Collective Worship.
• Thursday: Worship led by staff or visiting clergy, focusing on the week's theme.
• Friday: Celebration Worship (Good News Collective Worship).
• Last Friday of Half Term: Service at St Peter's Church.

Pupil Involvement

Pupils are actively involved in all aspects of our Collective Worship. Each class prepares for worship in a quiet and respectful manner. Pupils participate by acting out stories, reading from the Bible, leading prayers, and singing. We value pupil feedback and use it to improve our worship.

Prayer and Song

Pupils are invited to prepare for prayer in their own way, without prescribed actions. Pupils are encouraged to lead prayers. Each worship includes singing, with songs chosen to relate to the theme.

Inclusive Practice

Collective Worship is accessible to all, regardless of faith background. We use inclusive language and encourage everyone to engage in their own way.

Come and Join Us

We welcome families to join us for Collective Worship and experience the spirit of Gamston St Peter's every Friday at 2:45 pm.

External Links