Rode School Policies and Reports
PDF: Rode School Collective Worship Policy May 2009
The Collective Worship Policy at Rode Methodist VC First School pays due regard to statutory requirements, and has taken account of the guidance offered by the Methodist Church and the LEA through its SACRE (Somerset Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education).
The Collective Worship Policy of Rode Methodist VC First School reflects and reinforces the philosophy and aims of the school as expressed in our school prospectus and provides an opportunity for children to participate in shared experience of celebration and thanks giving in accordance with the Trust Deed of the school.
Definition of Collective Worship
Worship is the response of the individual and the community to life, living and to what is ultimately real.
Methodists believe that worship should engage the whole person-intellect, senses and emotions. Sometimes that worship may be structured formally and sometimes it may be more spontaneous (but that spontaneity will also be planned). Generally the worship will involve the school community in school but it will also take place on Church premises or elsewhere when it is appropriate.
Aims of Collective Worship
For the School:
Collective Worship contributes significantly to the ethos of Rode Methodist school and it is our aim that it is a time when the school community can:
- share common aims and values
- celebrate achievement and special times
- explore together the world in which we live
- develop a community spirit and a sense of collective responsibility
For the Pupils:
We also intend that Collective Worship contributes to the development of the pupil as a 'whole' person by providing opportunities to:
- consider spiritual and moral issues
- explore their own beliefs and those of other faiths
- develop their own spirituality
- reinforce positive attitudes
- participate and respond
- reflect on what it means to be human
- feel awe and wonder for the natural world and the gift of life
- share achievements and ideas
The Contribution of Collective Worship to aspects of the Curriculum
Collective Worship time is distinct from curriculum time. However, in Rode Methodist First School, Collective Worship will at times feature aspects of the curriculum, which will enhance the experiences of pupils by reflecting on the work done in classes. At times, Collective Worship will enrich classwork through its consideration of subject matter from different perspectives.
The provision of opportunities for pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is in line with school policy which informs our practice. To ensure Collective Worship provides opportunities for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development it should address a wide variety of themes and topics, use diverse stimuli and resources and provide pupils with the opportunity to 'respond' on their own level.
The Organisation of Collective Worship
Acts of worship will take place each day and will usually last for approximately 15 minutes, although it is recognized that this time will be shortened or lengthened when it is appropriate. A Smiley or sharing assembly will be held fortnightly. Parents will be encouraged to join these occasions.
Leadership
Every member of the school teaching staff, our Methodist minister, our Anglican representative and occasional visitors will be involved in leading acts of worship at some point in the school year.
Planning Acts of Collective Worship
The content of all acts of Collective Worship will be considered carefully, to ensure relevance and suitability for the ages, aptitudes and backgrounds of all pupils. We have a 2 year rolling program of values which provide the themes for collective Worship.
The Act of Collective Worship
A variety of teaching and learning styles and active and interactive methods are appropriate in acts of Collective Worship. Any and all of the methods employed in the classroom can be used effectively in acts of Collective Worship. A variety of resources will also be used. Leaders will choose the style/method and resources which are appropriate to the content, the age, aptitude and the background of the pupils.
The content and process must be sufficiently stimulating in order to evoke a response in the individual. This may not be visual, but opportunity must be given to express this response through reflection and prayer.
If announcements are to be given at the same time as an act of worship then they will be of a positive nature, which at times may enhance the act of worship itself. Announcements will be made preceding the act of worship and a clearly defined break between them and the act of worship will be made. A candle is lit to signify the beginning of Collective Worship.
Withdrawal
Any parent who objects to their child attending an act or acts of Collective Worship may request, in writing, that their child is withdrawn. Parents are encouraged to discuss this with the head teacher. Any pupil who is withdrawn from an act or acts of Collective Worship will be supervised during that time by a member of the school staff.
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