Heene Church of England Primary School
Collective Worship
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10: 24-25
Collective worship is central to us at Heene Primary School and is one of the vehicles in which pupils and staff learn to express our Christian school values and vision. Collective worship strengthens and supports the Christian ethos and identity of our school, and we aim for our pupils and staff to leave us with a rich experience and understanding of Christianity and of their own place in their spiritual journey. Our worship reflects the variety of traditions found within the Church of England and our parish and follows the Christian liturgical year. The daily act of worship is at the heart of our school and is supported by all staff and governors. It makes an important contribution to the overall spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our school and celebrates the central role that each person has to play within our school and the wider community. Children are active participants within worship and support it by lighting the candle, providing opinions and their views, tell Bible stories through drama and lead in prayer.
Pattern of Worship
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Monday – Whole school worship EYFS to year 6 Led by the headteacher |
All year groups come together to focus on the key theme of the week as part of the termly focus and associated Christian values.
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Tuesday – Class worship year 1 to year 6 Led by the class teacher and supported by the class worship leader |
From year 1 to year 6, Picture News is used to discuss topical issues from around the world. Children are guided through a process of spirituality moments to respond to the question for the week by thinking about God’s message. Pupil’s responses are then celebrated in the classroom spirituality zones. |
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Wednesday – Sing the faith EYFS to year 6 Led by the Music lead |
Singing is a passion for us at Heene Primary. We sing hymns or songs that link to our worship theme for the term, practice hymns for our church services and additional songs that link to key dates within the year. |
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Thursday – Clergy led worship EYFS to year 6 Led by member of the Clergy and supported by Senior Leader Team |
We have strong links with our local Churches of St Matthew’s Worthing and St Botolph’s Worthing and the following people are invited to lead Worship. Paul Taylor - Vicar (Church leader, St Matthew’s Worthing) Nathan Ghinn - Youth and Children’s Work Leader, St Matthew’s Worthing Kathryn Flenley – St Botolph’s Worthing |
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Friday – Shine Your Light worship EYFS to year 6 Led by the headteacher and supported by all class teachers and leaders |
Every Friday, we celebrate the achievements of our pupils across the school. We present Shine Your Light certificates to a pupil from each class for demonstrating our Christian Values and Gold Awards at the end of each half-term. |
Worship leaders
At least one pupil from each class in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 has the opportunity to become a worship leader each year. Their role is to support those leading worship, celebrating the Christian values and vision of our school by handing out Silver Awards and are met with on a regular basis to gain pupil feedback on Collective Worship. Worship Leaders understand the importance of becoming courageous advocates for our school and suggest ways in which pupils at Heene Primary may contribute to the school and wider community.
Spirituality Zones
Every classroom has its own designated space called a Spirituality Zone that encourages spiritual growth and a sense of peace for students. They are Christian in nature but are used to express all children's views and their spiritual beliefs. Within these, you will find Spirituality Moments, a Bible, prayer book, cross and a selection of prayers to be read throughout the day. They often include calming elements such as soft lighting, comfortable seating and visual prompts like nature images and inspiring books or quotes. These zones aim to support emotional well-being, promote self-awareness and provide opportunities for quiet contemplation or prayer in line with a school’s ethos. Teachers use them to help children develop empathy, courageous advocacy, capture moments of spirituality and expressions of our vision and values.