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Collective Worship and Spirituality

Collective Worship at St Catherine's
 
At St Catherine’s Church of England School, we strive to educate our children to realise their aspirations and to contribute positively to society, guided by our Christian principles.
 
Through the story of ‘The Good Samaritan’ the children learn to be curious about the world, be open in their experiences, overcome prejudices, encourage dignity and respect, live well together, celebrate individual differences and encourage kind, compassionate actions – working together towards a hopeful, inclusive world. (“act justly, love constantly, live humbly” Micah 6. V8)
 
As a Church School we educate for:
• wisdom, knowledge and skills: enabling discipline, confidence and delight in seeking wisdom and knowledge, and developing talents in all areas of life;
• hope and aspiration: enabling healing, repair and renewal, coping wisely when things go wrong, opening horizons and guiding people into ways of fulfilling them;
• community and living well together: a core focus on relationships, participation in communities and the qualities of character that enable people to flourish together;
• dignity and respect: the basic principle of respect for the value and preciousness of each person, treating each person as a unique individual of inherent worth.
 
Collective Worship is one of the ways that we seek to do this.

The structure and planning of collective worship at our school are carefully designed to embody and live out our theologically rooted Christian vision as seen through the parable of the Good Samaritan. Each act of worship provides opportunities for pupils to reflect on what it means to love others selflessly, treat all people with dignity and equality, and make wise, compassionate choices in everyday life. By drawing on the example of the Samaritan—who acted with courage and kindness across social boundaries—our worship encourages the whole school community to live out these values in action, fostering a culture where everyone is seen, valued, and supported. 

 

Collective worship in a church school should enable every child and adult to flourish and to live life in all its fullness. (John 10:10), living out the Church of England’s Vision for Education (2016).  It will help educate for wisdom, knowledge and skills, hope and aspiration, dignity and respect, developing community and understanding of living well together.

Collective Worship Over-Arching Themes Plan
St_Catherine's_Collective_Worship_Policy
CW-Summer-2025
Flourishing for All - Guidance for Church of England Schools
Spirituality at St Catherine's 
 

To talk about spirituality is, essentially, to talk about something which is beyond words. To make conversations about spirituality more accessible to every member of our school community.

This language of spirituality begins from a Christian understanding that everyone is a valued creation, individually and uniquely made by God.

 

Spirituality in our school is nurtured through the imagery of windows, mirrors, and doors, helping children to explore life’s big questions and develop a sense of meaning and purpose. Windows allow pupils to look out and wonder at the world—its beauty, complexity, and the experiences of others. Mirrors offer moments for self-reflection, encouraging children to think about their own beliefs, emotions, and responses to the world around them. Doors represent opportunities for action and transformation, inviting pupils to step out and live out their values in courageous and compassionate ways. Through this approach, spirituality becomes a natural and meaningful part of everyday school life.

 

St Catherine's uses this language and the concepts of windows, mirrors and doors. These are used to explore relationships with:

-       ourselves

-       others

-       the wider natural world and beyond

-       and offering the invitation to relate to God

 

At St Catherine’s, we believe that spirituality is a vital part of every child’s development. Rooted in our Christian vision, we nurture each child’s ability to reflect, to wonder, and to find meaning and purpose in life. We provide opportunities for children to explore their own beliefs and values, to develop a sense of awe and wonder about the world, and to grow in empathy, compassion, and understanding.

Guided by our Christian principles, we encourage our children to look beyond themselves, to consider their place in the wider world, and to make a positive contribution to society. In this way, spirituality is not just something we teach – it is something we live together as a school community.

Policy-for-Spirituality