‘Sowing the Seeds of tomorrow; growing in the light of the Lord‘
Collective Worship at Read St. John’s Church of England Primary School
Collective worship is central to life at Read St. John’s. It provides a vital space for pupils and staff to come together in prayer, reflection, and celebration, nurturing spiritual growth and a sense of community rooted in our Christian vision.
Inclusive, Inspirational, and Rooted in Faith
Inclusive and invitational: All pupils and staff are warmly welcomed to participate, regardless of background or faith journey.
Inspirational: Worship includes Bible stories, prayer, music, silence, and reflection, helping pupils connect with God’s love and their own spirituality.
Rooted in our Christian vision: Worship themes closely follow the liturgical calendar and reinforce our values of Trust, Compassion, Perseverance, and Respect.
How We Worship
Whole school and Key Stage worships take place in the hall, with a sacred space marked by a small altar and candle lighting.
Class worships provide more intimate settings for personal reflection and shared prayer.
Our weekly worship pattern includes:
Monday: Led by the Headteacher and Worship Leaders
Tuesday: God’s Big Story Bible narratives
Wednesday: Led by our Vicar, Reverend Sue
Thursday: Picture News reflections
Friday: Celebration Worship
Pupil Leadership in Worship
Our Worship Leaders play a crucial role in shaping the spiritual life of the school. Supported by staff, they:
Plan and lead worship sessions, sharing Bible readings, prayers, and reflections that inspire others.
Prepare liturgical ministries such as lighting candles, leading communal prayers, and facilitating moments of silence.
Collaborate with peers and staff to evaluate worship and suggest improvements, ensuring worship remains engaging and meaningful.
Act as role models, encouraging others to live out our Christian values daily.
Pupil Voice in Collective Worship
Pupils actively express their experiences and reflections on worship, demonstrating their spiritual engagement:
“I enjoy leading prayers because it helps me feel closer to God and helps others to feel calm and peaceful.” – Worship Leader, Year 6
“Worship helps me think about how I can be kind and helpful to my friends and family.” – Year 4 pupil
“I like the songs and the stories from the Bible. They teach me how to be brave and trust God.” – Year 3 pupil
Pupils articulate their understanding of different prayer forms, the liturgical year, and how worship connects with their learning and life.
Leadership and Governance
Leaders and governors at Read St. John’s prioritise collective worship by:
Ensuring a well-formulated policy that shapes and supports the prayer life of the school.
Planning worship to facilitate progressive pupil participation and spiritual growth.
Providing professional development for staff to deepen their understanding of prayer and liturgy.
Allocating resources, including time and dedicated spaces, to support high-quality worship.
Regularly evaluating worship provision through self-review, pupil voice, and dialogue with clergy to drive continuous improvement.
Collective worship at Read St. John’s is a vibrant, inclusive, and spiritually enriching experience that enables every member of our community to participate fully and flourish in God’s love.
