In line with the 1988 Education Reform Act, which states that collective worship should be ‘wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character’, and in recognition of the fact that the majority of our pupils are practising members of other faiths we base our assemblies on those aspects of Christian teaching that are shared with other faiths.

School Collective Worship should recognise that the school community is a collection of people.  Thus, acts of Collective Worship should be sensitive to the collective character of individual schools and to be inclusive the term must be interpreted in a way which is meaningful to the range of communities it serves.  The school community will usually include people from a variety of cultural and faith, and non-faith backgrounds.

Therefore,

• The term “collective” when used in relation to worship in schools refers to the gathering together of a school group or groups for worship; it does not in any way suggest an act of worship which involves a group meeting to subscribe to any particular faith or denomination of a faith.
• Collective worship does not pre-suppose shared beliefs, and should not seek uniform responses from pupils. Collective Worship caters for a diversity of beliefs and points of view, allowing individuals to respond as individuals.

Definition of Collective Worship

Collective Worship is a time when the whole school, or groups within the school meet together in order to consider and reflect on common concerns, issues and interests. It offers all pupils an opportunity to worship through engaging in relevant, meaningful experiences and provides opportunities for the pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Aims of Collective Worship

 For the School:

Collective Worship contributes significantly to the ethos of Whitehall Park 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

For the Pupils:

We also intend that Collective Worship contributes to the development of the pupil as a ‘whole’ person by providing opportunities to:

• worship together
• reflect on that which is considered worthy
• consider spiritual and moral issues
• explore their own beliefs
• develop their own spirituality
• reflect on the direction of their lives
• reinforce positive attitudes
• participate and respond
• reflect on what it means to be human
• consider the wonders and worries of the world

Our assemblies

Each week staff members and teams take responsibility for running assemblies within their classrooms and as whole school opportunities.   Through our assembly programme, we look together at different key aspects of faith, as well as focusing upon our word of the week, singing together and celebrating our many achievements.   If you would like to see our Assembly planner please click on this link.

 Withdrawal

Our assemblies will be conducted in a manner as sensitive and inclusive as to ensure that all children feel comfortable to attend the assembly However, parents/carers have the right to withdraw their child from any act or acts of Collective Worship. Those wishing to make such a request are encouraged to discuss with the head teacher: (a) any particular concerns they may have and (b) practical arrangements for the withdrawal.

British Values

At Whitehall Park School, we will take every opportunity to promote British Values, defined by the government as; democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated this year (2014). At Whitehall Park these values are reinforced regularly and you can find out more by clicking on this link.