“Knowing other people, loving, suffering and pain, discovering truth, wanting what is good, admiring beauty in all its expressions, coping with failure, all these experiences are moments and situations where we can be led to look beyond the immediate to something or someone which is the ultimate explanation of all that is.”
Cardinal Hume 1993

Collective worship in schools should provide the opportunity for pupils to worship God, to consider spiritual and moral issues and to explore their own beliefs; to encourage participation and response, whether through active involvement in the presentation of worship or through listening to and joining in the worship offered; and to develop community spirit, promote a common ethos and shared values, and reinforce positive attitudes.

(DFE Collective Worship)  

In St. Augustine’s we believe worship to mean adoration and praise, praying together, focusing on God. Worship contributes to the spiritual development of the individual wherever they may be on their faith journey.

Acts of worship may take place at any time during the day. It may take the form of a single act of worship with the whole school community or separate acts of worship in school/class groups. In our school there is no confusion between Collective Worship and Assemblies. When we gather for Collective Worship we focus on the Word of God, we use symbol and ritual and we are open to God’s presence among us.

The hall and each classroom have a focus area for prayer.

Children are taught many prayers during their time at school and by the end of Key Stage 2 we would expect our children to know the prayers stated in the, “Come and See” scheme of work.

Children are also encouraged to pray in their heart during quiet or reflective times.

In class children have the opportunity to compose their own prayers and share with others if they wish.

We also pray when we sing and once a week we gather together to sings hymns, old and new.