Collective worship is the unique heartbeat of our school and is offered as part of a wider opportunity for pupils and adults to encounter faith by engaging in conversations about God, both as individuals and together.

Christian values are foundational to our school's ethos and instructional approach, with daily acts of worship serving as a reflection of this commitment. We strive to foster a Christian community where individuals can cultivate understanding and tolerance for others. Collective worship is prioritised in the daily life of the school, emphasising the spiritual, social, cultural, and moral well-being of every child. We follow the LDBS collective worship calendar and include key questions linked to our weekly worship themes.

As a Church of England school, daily Collective Worship holds special significance as it unites members of the school community in the worship of God. Led by both teachers and pupils, these worship sessions provide opportunities for families to join during class assemblies, class eucharists, church services and carol services.

To enrich our worship experience, we welcome weekly visits from the Rector of St John's The Evangelist, Stanmore, and invite clergy from neighbouring churches to lead our collective worship. Through these interactions, children are encouraged to think critically, pose questions, and share their perspectives on the world around them. During Class Worship, Key Stage 2 pupils prepare and lead their own collective worship, centred on various themes, fostering leadership skills and prompting reflection on global issues.

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Prayer Space

We are very fortunate to have our own Prayer Space at St John’s. Prayer Space is a quiet space which offers pupils the opportunity to explore and reflect upon their thoughts, feelings and faith. Prayer Space is open during lunchtimes offering a quiet and tranquil place for pupils to reflect and pray.

Prayer Space is also set up with themed stations of reflection during key times throughout the Christian calendar such as Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. During this time all classes have a timetabled session where they can explore the reflective prayer stations. Prayer Space is also often set up to reflect times of national and international crisis such as: The homeless and the refugee crisis. In addition to this, pupil, staff and parent prayer groups are also led in our Prayer Space.

We want pupils to leave our school with a rich experience and understanding of, prayer, reflection and Christianity. Knowing that their beliefs can enrich their lives and the lives of others.

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Prayers for Collective Worship

We begin all acts of worship by lighting our candles and saying together.

‘We Light the candles to remind us that God is Always with us’

Followed by our morning school prayer:

‘Heavenly Father, thank you for giving this new day to me, help me to make it one that pleases you by doing my best in everything, Amen’

At the end of collective worship, we recite the Lords Prayer followed by our school vision. The candles are then extinguished followed by:

‘Even though the candles are out we still remember that God is always with us’

The Grace is recited before lunch

‘Bless us O’ God as we sit together, bless the food we eat today, bless the hands that make the food, bless us O’ God, Amen’

End of School Day Prayer

‘Thank you, God, for school today, thank you God for work and play, thank you God for everything, thank you God Amen’