Collective Worship

Collective Worship is a central part of the school day. It unifies the school around the Christian vision and values, as well as the Methodist foundation.

SIAMS Report, 2026

Collective Worship at St Peter's Methodist Primary School is time for the whole school to gather, to foster spiritual growth and personal reflection. 

Each week, we have a new theme for our Collective Worship. The themes include our Christian Values and a range of other ideas relevant to our children's experiences. Our themes can also be responsive to what is happening in the wider world.

 Monday: Whole School Worship is typically led by the headteacher, Mrs Dyer, supported by the school's Worship Ambassadors. During the worship, a theme is introduced for the week through Bible readings, prayer and song.

Tuesday: Picture News takes place in the children's classrooms, led by the class teachers. This is an opportunity for the children to explore 'big questions and themes' relating to current affairs and topical events. Discussion is had about how this makes the children feel and what they can do to help. The children are supported in linking real-world events with the school's Christian Values and the fundamental British Values.

Wednesday: Church Worship is led either by the local reverend, Deputy Head, class teachers or by the children themselves. This worship reinforces the theme introduced on Mondays through continued Bible readings, prayer and song, all within St Peter's Methodist Church. All are welcome to attend - including wider stakeholders - to join the school community in prayer and reflection.

Thursday: Choral Worship is led by the class teachers and is a chance for us to show praise through song and come together for singing practice. The value and theme for the week is also revisited here, alongside prayer and reflection.

Friday: Celebration Worship is led by the Deputy Head or class teachers, and is a chance to celebrate all that has happened throughout the week as a whole school. School news is shared, and certificates awarded to children for their learning, demonstrating the school's Christian Values and for showing a positive Growth Mindset. Our pupils' achievements are also shared via Mrs Dyer's weekly newsletter.

During all of our daily Collective Worship sessions, we say together John Wesley's Rule. Our children are always involved in leading different aspects of our worship including lighting the candle, singing, prayer and opportunities for quiet reflection.

Whilst parents have the right to withdraw a child from worship, our children and staff view this as a special and important part of our school day. We participate with respect and a growing understanding of our own spirituality. It provides an opportunity to explore our own beliefs, deepen our understanding of our school Christian Values and the character of God and reflect upon the world around us in a safe and accepting community. We therefore encourage children of all faiths and none to attend.

Evaluating worship

We regularly evaluate our collective worship and pupils, staff, parents and governors are involved in this process.

Through this system, we listen to the thoughts of others and continually strive to improve the experiences for our children and staff.

Presenting ideas during worship

Children are given opportunities to present and share their ideas during worship.

This may be through drama, reflections on the weekly theme, questions, presentations and quizzes, responses to the thinking questions and leading special worship sessions.

Singing

As a Methodist school, the tradition of worship through singing is strong at St Peter's.

Children and staff are both involved in choosing hymns to accompany weekly themes and for key services through the year. Children are encouraged to sing with enthusiasm and learn or create actions to different hymns. We have a very active choir, who perform at school and national events and in our community.

Quiet reflection

Time is provided during each worship session for quiet reflection.

This may sometimes be through periods of silent thought or prayer and through thinking questions that are displayed as children enter the worship space. Reflective prayer spaces can be found around school, in our outside areas and in our church. Members of the school community of all faiths and none, are encouraged to engage with these spaces in any way that they feel comfortable.

Prayer

We use prayer during worship, through reflective spaces, before lunch and at the end of the school day.

We say our school prayer during worship in school and the Lord's Prayer when participating in worship in our church. The children are regularly involved in writing and sharing their own prayers during worship.

Engaging with outside spaces and nature

We have reflective spaces in our outside areas, including a prayer garden designed and created by our children, based around our Christian values.

Interactive reflective spaces

We place interactive reflective spaces around school, in all classrooms, our outside spaces and our church.

These spaces are interactive and accessible to all pupils and staff at all times. Parents and carers are also welcome to engage with these spaces before and after school.

When we do John Wesley's rules together, it is nice to see everyone joining in together and being connected.

Willis, Class 6

 

It teaches us how to be kind and loving to others.

Rosie, Class 6

 

I like to get the whole school community together in one place.

Alex, Class 3

 

It is special when we speak about Jesus.

Aubrey, Class 3

collective worship policy dec 2025 dec 2026.pdf