How can we make Collective Worship even better in our schools?

The purpose was to explore how to help everyone in their school communities to grow spiritually through inspiring Collective Worship.

Led by Headteacher Mercedes Henning, supported by local clergy and the Youth For Christ outreach youth worker, participants took part in exuberant worship, shouting and waving palm branches; they experienced outdoor worship, in the rain, in their coats; and they also had a moment of calm in a dark, candle-filled meditation.

In between worship sessions, there were times for discussion including ways to plan worship for a term – for example using the liturgical year, stories from the Bible or saints’ days - and how to explore impact of worship from the children’s point of view.

Throughout the session, the emphasis was on building positive, spiritual experiences through Collective Worship, because it is hoped that everyone attending worship in schools, whether children or adults, whether people of faith or not, should feel moved and changed by the experience.

Feedback from those who attended was very positive and included:

“Thank you for a very helpful afternoon – it was good to get clergy and teachers together; I look forward to more, similar events.”

“As a headteacher, leading worship is an important part of my role. Today has made me re-evaluate yet again what we provide for our children. Thank you!”

“Inspiring! – I will aim to go outside; experiment more; be creative; use silence more; get my guitar out!”

If you would like to be involved in an event like this in another area of the diocese, please email Nicola Coupe.