Worship

Collective worship is the beating heart of Jolesfield. It provides the  opportunity for our school community to share experiences, ideas and understanding. It is the context in which the language of spirituality, which we use as a school, is regularly and  explicitly shared.  Our vision of creating ‘an inclusive school community where children feel rooted in the knowledge of God’s love for all people’ is brought alive through our daily act of worship. 

Collective worship provides the opportunity for pupils to become aware of the importance  of reflection and how our positive and negative experiences can be formative. It also  provides a real sense of being present (now moments) which are often linked to invitations to pray.  

Through daily Collective worship, pupils and adults experience worship.  They are offered an understanding of worship by being invited to participate  in, or observe, Christian spiritual practices such as: prayer, reading and reflection on the  Bible and liturgy and are introduced to different musical traditions. 

Opportunities to reflect on the wows of life such as beauty and joy of the world are given, as well as time to reflect and empathise with the ow moments of disappointment or pain.  Pupils are given time to consider their responsibilities to others and to grow in love and  service. Time is given for celebration, both for the accomplishments of school members and  to mark seasonal Christian festivals and celebrations in the calendars of other faiths. In this  way pupils are offered time to be able to contemplate and develop spiritually. Through the structure of a welcome, followed by learning, reflecting and responding we ensure collective  worship at Jolesfield is invitational, inspirational and inclusive.  In addition, worship at Jolesfield is also challenging as our weekly class worship, values and expects individual engagement and response.  It ‘opens the door’ for children to make a difference by applying their learning to their lives and attitudes and by doing so, impact those around them.

Pupils are actively involved in worship rather than passive observers.  For example, our School Ambassadors promote direct pupil involvement in worship through sharing prayers, lighting the candle, speaking, leading in drama activities etc.  In addition, our School Ambassadors help shape the themes explored in worship and lead a worship on a theme of their choice, every term.  Plus, our school ambassadors regularly evaluate worship to help us recognise our strengths and identify aspects to improve.