“Let Your Light Shine” – Matthew 5:16

At Northleaze, the daily act of Collective Worship is an integral and valued part of school life. It is a time when we come together as a community to share our love of God, celebrate achievements, and reflect on our own and others’ experiences. Worship is rooted in our Christian vision and values: Responsibility, Creativity, Respect, Compassion, Resilience, and Friendship, which permeate the ethos of our school.

Our Approach

Collective Worship at Northleaze is inclusive, invitational, and inspiring.  It provides a safe space for all—whether children and adults choose to participate actively or simply observe. Through worship, we aim to:

• Promote spiritual growth and reflection.
• Celebrate diversity and respect for all faiths and beliefs.
• Encourage everyone to live out our vision by shining their light in the world.

Contributions from staff, pupils, clergy, and visitors are highly valued, enriching our worship and strengthening links with the local church and wider community.

What Happens in Worship?

Each act of worship follows a simple structure:

• Gather – We create a calm, reflective atmosphere, often lighting a candle as a symbol of Jesus, the light of the world. Worship begins with our candle prayer and a traditional call and response.
• Engage – We explore a theme through Bible stories, music, discussion, drama, or real-life examples that connect faith and values to everyday life.
• Respond – Time for prayer, quiet reflection, or creative expression, respecting individual beliefs.
• Send – A closing thought or blessing, encouraging us to carry the message into our day.

We use the Windows, Mirrors, Doors model to help children reflect:

• Windows – Looking outward at the world with curiosity and wonder.
• Mirrors – Looking inward at our own thoughts and feelings.
• Doors – Considering how we can act and make a difference.
• Candle – Reminding us of the presence of God and the light of Christ, and helping us make connections with the Bible and our Christian vision.

Music and Creativity

Music plays a key role in worship, helping to create a calm and reflective atmosphere as children gather. We draw from both modern worship songs and the rich heritage of traditional hymns, using music to inspire joy and deepen spiritual engagement. Singing worship on Thursdays provides opportunities for reflection and celebration through song. Children are also invited to play instruments as the school gathers or leaves, adding a personal and creative touch to our worship time.

 

Our Weekly Pattern

• Monday – Whole School Worship led by the Headteacher or clergy.
• Tuesday – Class Worship using Picture News.
• Wednesday – Key Stage Worship.
• Thursday – Singing Worship.
• Friday – Celebration Worship, sharing achievements and living out our values.

Partnership with All Saints Church

Our strong partnership with All Saints Church, Long Ashton enriches our worship and strengthens our sense of community. Throughout the year, we hold special services at the church to mark significant moments in the Christian calendar, such as Harvest, Christmas with a candlelit carol service, Ash Wednesday, Easter, Pentecost, Remembrance, and our Leavers’ Service. Families are warmly invited to join these occasions, which provide opportunities for shared reflection, celebration, and worship in a sacred space.

Why Is Collective Worship Important?

Collective Worship:

• Deepens understanding of the Christian story and traditions.
• Encourages reflection on life’s joys and challenges.
• Builds a sense of belonging and community.
• Inspires children to live out our vision: “Let Your Light Shine.”

Pupil Leadership

Children play an active role in worship—helping to plan, lead, and evaluate. They light the candle, lead prayers, and contribute ideas through our Worship Leaders ensuring worship is meaningful and relevant.

Inclusivity and Legal Requirements

While worship is rooted in Christian tradition, it is open and respectful of all. Parents have the legal right to withdraw their child, and staff may also withdraw from leading or participating. We handle such requests sensitively, in line with the Education Reform Act (1988).

 

A link to our collective worship policy can be found on the policies page of the website.