At St Bernadette’s, daily collective worship is a cornerstone of our school life, deeply reflecting our Mission Statement: “Jesus is very important in our school. He is at the heart of everything we do.” Our worship sessions provide a sacred time for our school community to come together in prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. These moments allow us to connect with God and strengthen our bonds as a school family. Guided by the teachings of Jesus, each week we focus on a specific aspect of His love and message, encouraging our children to live out Christian virtues such as kindness, respect, compassion, and forgiveness.

In our collective worship, we use a variety of methods including stories, prayers, and songs, which help bring the teachings of Jesus to life. This approach not only nurtures spiritual growth but also fosters moral development, teaching our children to be kind, considerate, and generous in their actions. Each session is designed to help our children reflect on their relationship with God, as well as the importance of living in harmony with others. Through our worship, we aim to inspire our children to embody the virtues of Christ in their everyday lives, both at school and in the wider community.

Our collective worship is an essential part of the nurturing environment we strive to create at St Bernadette’s, where faith, love, and respect are at the core of everything we do. By offering these opportunities for spiritual reflection, we guide our children on their journey of faith, helping them grow not only academically but also emotionally and socially.

Please read the sections below to learn more about our approach to Collective Worship at St Bernadette’s and how we work to ensure that Jesus is at the heart of everything we do.

Weekly Structure

Monday

Every Monday the whole school gathers together in the school hall.  Each Monday, we discuss our current virtue together and listen to The Word of God.  It is a fabulous time for us to come together as a whole school community and is a brilliant way to start our week.

Tuesday

Every Tuesday, classes from different phases across the school come together for our Phase Worship. This is a wonderful opportunity for students of all ages to unite as one school community. During this time, we focus on a current virtue, exploring its meaning and how we can live it out in our daily lives. We also listen to The Word of God, allowing it to guide our reflections and actions. Phase Worship is a joyful and meaningful way to foster a sense of unity, as we come together in prayer, reflection, and celebration of our shared faith.

Wednesday

Each Tuesday, we come together as a whole school community to worship through song, a powerful and joyful expression of our faith. This special time allows students, staff, and teachers from all phases of the school to unite in prayer and praise. Through carefully chosen hymns and songs, we reflect on the teachings of Jesus, celebrate the values that guide us, and strengthen our sense of belonging and unity. Singing together is not only a way to honour God, but also an opportunity to nurture the spiritual growth of our students and build a deeper connection with each other as a school family. It is a vibrant and uplifting way to start our week, setting the tone for all the learning, growth, and kindness that follow.

Thursday

Every Thursday, the children in each class take on the responsibility of planning, preparing, resourcing, and delivering their own Collective Worship session. This special opportunity allows our students to actively engage in the worship process, encouraging them to think deeply about their faith and how they can share it with others. The children lead the worship sessions with great enthusiasm and dedication, selecting meaningful themes, prayers, and reflections that align with the teachings of Christ.

By taking on this leadership role, the children not only become fantastic ambassadors for our school, but they also serve as true ambassadors for Christ. They have the chance to reflect on the values of kindness, respect, and compassion, and share these values with their peers in a way that inspires others to live according to Christ’s teachings. Through their leadership in Collective Worship, our students develop important skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy, all while deepening their spiritual understanding and connection with God. It is a truly empowering experience that fosters a sense of responsibility and pride, allowing our children to actively contribute to the spiritual life of our school community.

Friday

What a joyful time of the week! Every Friday, we come together as a school community to celebrate and give thanks for the achievements, efforts, and kindnesses of the week. Our families and the wider community are warmly invited into school for our Celebration Worship, where we share in the joy of each other’s accomplishments and reflect on the blessings of the week. This special time is an opportunity for students, staff, and families to join in prayer, song, and praise, creating a sense of unity and gratitude among all.

During Celebration Worship, we highlight the successes of our students—both big and small—and acknowledge the hard work, perseverance, and positive attitudes they have demonstrated. It’s a time to celebrate individual achievements, as well as the collective accomplishments of the school community. With our families present, it also strengthens the bond between home and school, showing our shared commitment to nurturing the spiritual, moral, and academic development of each child. Through this weekly gathering, we come together to rejoice in God’s goodness, share moments of joy, and support one another in faith.

Key Documents