Worship and spirituality
Collective Worship at St. Michael’s CE Primary Academy
The Heartbeat of Our School
At St. Michael’s CE Primary Academy, collective worship is more than a statutory requirement—it is the spiritual heartbeat of our school. Rooted in our theologically grounded vision “To embody the love of God by championing justice and inspiring service,” our worship life reflects our core Christian values of Community, Aspiration, Learning, and Love.
Each act of worship is a sacred opportunity to pause, reflect, and encounter the divine. It is a time when our school community—children and adults alike—gathers to explore faith, celebrate our values, and grow spiritually.
Theological Foundations
Our collective worship is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is shaped by two key biblical narratives:
- The Woman Who Touched Jesus’ Garment (Mark 5:21–34)
- Jesus and Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1–10)
These stories inspire our vision of transformation, healing, and inclusion. Worship at St. Michael’s is a space where all are invited to encounter God, reflect on life’s big questions, and be inspired to live out their faith in action.
Inclusive, Invitational, and Inspiring
In line with the Church of England’s guidance [1], our collective worship is:
- Inclusive: We welcome all members of our diverse school community, regardless of faith background. Worship themes often address universal values and global issues such as climate change and justice, ensuring relevance and accessibility for all.
- Invitational: Participation is never compulsory. Children and adults are invited to engage in prayer and reflection in ways that are meaningful to them.
- Inspiring: Worship is designed to spark curiosity, encourage courageous advocacy, and inspire pupils to be agents of positive change in their communities.
How We Worship
Worship at St. Michael’s is rich and varied, incorporating:
- Biblical storytelling and teachings of Jesus
- Prayer and reflection, including the Lord’s Prayer and pupil-written prayers
- Music, drama, and creative expression
- Celebration of Christian festivals such as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost
- Weekly themes aligned with the liturgical calendar and school values
Our weekly structure includes:
- Monday: Introduction of the theme through scripture and song
- Tuesday: Exploration through poetry or story
- Wednesday: Worship led by Father Dominic from St. Michael’s Church
- Thursday: Focus on safeguarding and moral development
- Friday: Celebration assembly highlighting pupil achievements and values in action
Pupil Leadership and Participation
Children are central to our worship life. Our Faith Committee helps plan, lead, and evaluate worship. Pupils write prayers, lead songs, act in dramas, and reflect on key messages. This active involvement fosters ownership, spiritual growth, and leadership skills.
Partnership with the Church
Our close relationship with St. Michael’s Church enriches our worship. Father Dominic leads weekly acts of worship in school and half-termly acts of worship in church where we celebrate key events such as:
- Harvest Festival
- Remembrance Day
- St. Michael’s Feast Day
- Year 6 Leavers’ Service
These shared experiences deepen our understanding of Anglican traditions and strengthen our sense of community.
Meeting Church of England Expectations
Our collective worship aligns with the Church of England’s vision for education [1]:
- It reflects Anglican traditions and fosters spiritual development.
- It is planned and evaluated with care, ensuring high quality and relevance.
- It provides opportunities for all to encounter Jesus Christ and explore Christian faith and practice.
- It supports the development of character, moral responsibility, and a sense of awe and wonder.
As the Church of England states, collective worship is “the unique heartbeat of a Church school” [1]. At St. Michael’s, it is a cherished time that shapes who we are and who we aspire to be.
References
[1] Collective Worship – The Church of England
Spirituality at St. Michael’s
A Deeply Rooted and Living Experience
At St. Michael’s CE Primary Academy, spirituality is not confined to a single definition or moment—it is a living, breathing part of our school culture. Rooted in our Christian vision “To embody the love of God by championing justice and inspiring service,” spirituality at St. Michael’s is about connection: to ourselves, to others, to the world around us, and to something greater than ourselves.
We believe that spirituality is for everyone. Whether it is found in a quiet moment of reflection, the joy of learning, the beauty of nature, or the laughter of friends, we nurture it intentionally across our curriculum, worship, and daily life.
What Spirituality Means to Us
Spirituality at St. Michael’s is expressed through:
- Self-awareness: Understanding our emotions, values, and purpose.
- Relationships: Building empathy, love, and respect for others.
- Nature: Experiencing awe and wonder in the natural world.
- Creativity: Engaging with the arts, literature, and culture.
- Faith: For many, spirituality is rooted in a relationship with God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
We recognise that spirituality is personal and diverse. Our approach is inclusive, invitational, and inspiring—allowing each child and adult to explore and express their spirituality in their own way.
Windows, Mirrors, and Doors: Our Spiritual Framework
To make spirituality accessible and meaningful, we use the model developed by Liz Mills:
- Windows – Looking out at the world with curiosity and wonder. We explore stories, nature, and experiences that inspire awe and raise big questions.
- Mirrors – Looking inward to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. We create space for stillness, prayer, and personal reflection.
- Doors – Looking forward and stepping out to act. We encourage pupils to respond to their learning through creativity, service, and courageous advocacy.
This model shapes our collective worship, curriculum, and school culture, helping pupils and staff grow spiritually in everyday moments.
Spiritual Pathways: Honouring Every Journey
We recognise that people connect spiritually in different ways. At St. Michael’s, we nurture a range of spiritual pathways:
- Naturalists: Find God in creation and the outdoors.
- Activists: Seek justice and advocate for others.
- Caregivers: Serve and support those in need.
- Intellectuals: Explore faith through study and deep thinking.
- Contemplatives: Value stillness, silence, and prayer.
Our curriculum, worship, and enrichment activities are designed to engage all these pathways, ensuring every child and adult can flourish spiritually.
Spirituality Across the Curriculum
Spiritual development is woven through every subject. For example:
- In Science, we marvel at the complexity of life and the universe.
- In Art, we express our inner thoughts and explore beauty.
- In History, we reflect on human dignity and learn from the past.
- In PE, we experience joy, resilience, and teamwork.
- In RE, we explore big questions and diverse beliefs.
- In Outdoor Learning, we connect with nature and learn responsibility.
We intentionally plan for spiritual moments and embrace spontaneous ones—those “wow” and “ow” moments that shape who we are.
Spiritual Spaces and Experiences
We provide dedicated opportunities for spiritual growth:
- Collective Worship: A daily time for reflection, prayer, and inspiration.
- Barnes Close Retreat: A space for stillness, togetherness, and visioning.
- Brigg House Residential: A chance to build character and resilience.
- Our Farm and Allotment: Hands-on care for creation and understanding of growth and responsibility.
- St. Michael’s Church: A sacred space for worship, celebration, and community.
A Whole-School Commitment
Spirituality is everyone’s responsibility. All staff are trained to recognise and nurture spiritual development. Our Deputy Headteacher leads this work, ensuring it is embedded in our curriculum, worship, and ethos.
We monitor and evaluate our spiritual provision regularly, listening to pupils, staff, and families to ensure it remains meaningful and impactful.
Flourishing in Body, Mind, and Spirit
At St. Michael’s, we believe that every child is a unique and precious individual. Our commitment to spirituality helps them grow in confidence, compassion, and curiosity—ready to live well, serve others, and make a difference in the world.