Collective Worship is central to the life of St Stephen’s School. It is seen as the “beating heart” of all we do in developing a school family that worships and flourishes as spiritual beings.

Intent

1. We understand worship to be a special act or occasion whose purpose is to show reverence to God. Collective worship involves the school coming together and participating in worship. We base our collective worship on the teachings of Christ and the traditions of the Christian Church. However, we conduct our collective worship in a manner that is sensitive to the individual beliefs and faith of all members of our school community.

Implementation

Our collective worship follows half-termly themes running on a yearly cycle. We have planned our collective worship themes based on the teachings of Jesus as well as our School Values, the traditions of the Anglican Church and other relevant content and events. This programme ensures that the children are given the opportunity to explore a wide range of issues in depth. It also ensures that those leading collective worship are clear about the aims and how their contribution fits a wider picture.

 

We firmly believe that things we learn as a child can impact on the life we lead as an adult. Having tools for life is the reason for St Stephen’s developing our “5 For Life”. These are 5 Bible verses that we are memorise to use as a foundation for spiritual growth, and to help us understand the theological underpinning of a believer: that God created us, loves us, guides us and that we can flourish through accepting Him in our lives.

Psalm 119v105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

 

Psalm 139v14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

 

John 13v34

A new commandment I give to you: love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

 

Psalm 46v1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 

Psalm 1v3

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

Impact

• To enable everyone to feel a sense of belonging in the school family when worshipping together
• To develop spiritual awareness and growth.
• To establish our school community as one based on the ministry and teaching of Christ.
• To provide an opportunity for children to contribute and express their response to God, no matter what their personal commitment, through an inclusive, invitational and inspirational approach
• To celebrate and value individual, group and whole school achievements.
• To build a sense of community spirit in which there is an awareness of responsibilities, common values and reinforcement of positive attitudes.