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Collective Worship

Collective Worship at Bedford Hall is:

  • Inclusive: so it is meaningful to all, whatever their faith, culture, or religious / non-religious worldview. Adjustments are made for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) so that daily worship is accessible.
  • Invitational: so there is no compulsion to ‘do anything’ but all pupils and adults are welcomed to be present and engage with integrity.
  • Inspiring: so it motivates pupils and adults into action, into thinking differently, and into reflecting on events, behaviours and attitudes of themselves and others.
  • Interactive: so pupils and adults can explore, question, and respond to worship themes and, for some, respond to God.  Pupils and adults are active participants through carefully-considered evaluation processes rather than as passive attenders.

Most importantly, times of collective worship allow the school to share, celebrate and affirm our sense of belonging and togetherness.  This maintains our Christian culture to work together as one team, one family and one community.  Our shared mission is to uphold and follow our one school rule, as taught by John Wesley:  Do all the good you can.

Eight Step Approach

At Bedford Hall Methodist Primary School, we use an eight step approach to worship:

  1. Prepare for Worship: Worship begins by pupils listening to a piece of classical music.  The worship leader and/or pupils will then help others to prepare for worship and create a sense of cohesion:

-Three candles, representing the Holy Trinity are lit.

-A call to worship from Psalm 118:24 is then said:

Leader: This is the day the Lord has made

Response: We will rejoice and be glad in it.

-Deep breathing exercises to feel safe and grounded.

  1. Key Message: Introduce the theme of the worship, linking to any prior knowledge, experiences or events.

  1. Exploration: The worship leader explores the theme. What it is, why it’s important to pupils and adults at our school.  This may be shared through stories, videos, artwork, song, drama, visitors etc.

  1. Bible Links: Links between the worship theme and Jesus’ teaching from the bible are shared and passages discussed. T
  2. Transformation Time: Pupils and adults have time to think and reflect on the worship. We use an ‘Ow, Wow, Now’ approach to target and guide meaningful reflection. The focus is on how a pupil or adult may serve others and be called to action as a result of this worship.

OWS - These are the blows life can bring.  The times when things don’t go to plan; when you feel things have been unjust or unfair; and when you feel overwhelmed with negative thoughts or feelings. 

WOWS - These are the moments of awe and wonder.  The times that feel so wonderful that you want to capture that feeling and hold on to it for as long as you can.  It is also a time for you to explore your own and others’ perspectives and reflect on life’s big questions.

NOWS - These are the times to reflect and be present in the moment: time to appreciate what you have and who you are.  It is also time to apply your learning – it is an opportunity to consider your responsibility to act on what you believe and value to be just and fair. 

  1. Prayers: A prayer is shared by the worship leader and/or pupils.  Pupils and adults are invited to make it their prayer by having their hands together and responding with ‘Amen’.  Those who do not want to join in with prayer may sit quietly and respectfully, in order to respect those that do.  Pupils and adults will then be invited to say a prayer together, in particular the Lord's Prayer, John Wesley’s rule and psalm 25:4.

  1. Singing the Faith: Worship ends with a song or hymn that links to the worship theme.  Both traditional and modern songs are learned that are Christian in nature and reflect our Christian values and acts of service.  Pupils and adults, who are able to, will stand when the music starts, as they would in any Christian place of worship.  Pupils and adults are invited to participate through singing, signing, using actions and/or dancing.   

  1. Exit: The worship leader will finish with any parting words.  Classical music will be played and pupils and adults will file out from the back.  Movements will be silent