Collective Worship

As a church school, Collective Worship is integral in our school life. We hold daily acts of worship; this is usually as a whole school but can also be in the classroom. We recognise that in asking our children to worship we have to consider the background that our children come from and it is therefore not the practice of this school to preach to or convert the children. Collective Worship at Ewhurst CofE Infants is first and foremost for the educational and spiritual benefit of its pupils. It is a shared activity, which allows a variety of responses. It is an inclusive activity, which builds with the broad dimensions of the curriculum and Christian distinctiveness of the school. The creation of atmosphere is assisted by appropriate music, visual foci and symbols. Opportunity for reflection and responses, prayer, story, drama and art are also used to appeal to the pupils’ imagination.

We believe that collective worship both supports and strengthens what we aim to do in every aspect of school life. Our caring ethos, and the value which we place on the development of the whole child; spiritually, morally, socially, culturally and intellectually is reflected in our worship. We value this special time in the school day for the space it gives children to develop a reflective approach to life and the ability to express their reflections in traditionally religious ways or any other appropriate manner.

Our Collective Worship Week looks as follows:

• Mondays are led by the Headteacher who will follow themes from the school values, theology and world calendar events such as multi faith celebrations.
• Tuesdays- the local rector or representative from the church, will deliver an act of worship that is pertinent to life at that time. 
• Wednesdays are led by the Head Teacher and will either link to the messages delivered on Monday/Tuesday or might be based on something topical if that is more appropriate.
• Thursdays are Singing Assemblies and are led by Mrs. Gosling. Songs introduced and practised may be either modern or traditional, mostly praise related with some topical songs for certain times of year. 

• Fridays are Celebration Assemblies where children are rewarded for achievements and efforts in school, recorded on our celebration wall. Children from each class are recommended to receive a Star of the Week or HeadTeacher awards and are presented with a certificate.  Extra-curricular achievements are also celebrated.

Each assembly starts with the offering of Peace and ends with either the Lord’s prayer. Staff will light the candle to ‘remind us that Jesus is with us’ and is used as a point of focus during reflection. The display board shows themes of assemblies and also captures ‘wow moments’ in the children’s own words. Assembly Helpers from Cherry Class will play the CD of the week for entry and exit. Staff and helpers will check the Birthday Book and celebrate birthdays as they arise.

Each year classes take an assembly to which parents and carers are invited.

Each term we have a service in our church, often to celebrate the end of term, but also key events in the church year such as Harvest.  We welcome parents and carers to join us.  Children play an integral part in celebrating work, leading parts of the service and prayers. 

Expectations of Conduct

Every member of the assembly is expected to follow high expectation of behaviour. As this is a time of reflection, it is expected that everyone is quiet and does not engage in conversation unless discussion is directed by the adult leading. It is highly important that staff model this to the children. Staff are expected to participate in the same way as children by joining in the singing and actions to certain songs. All teaching staff attend one or more act of collective worship per week.