Worship
Worship at Broughton CE Primary School
Prayer and worship are central to our daily lives here at Broughton CE School. The foundation of our school is Church of England and so all our acts or worship are based on this Christian tradition. All children in school participate in our daily act of collective worship and there are opportunities for children to lead and plan their own worship. We believe that we are all joined together as a worshipping community and parents and friends of the school would usually be invited to worship with us at least twice a week.
The weekly themes and bible verses are shared with the school community through the school newsletter and website. We are very fortunate to have a number of people in school who lead worship including the headteacher, the deputy headteacher, the clergy team of St John Baptist, the children, teaching staff, the school’s very own chaplain and leaders from other local churches.
Opportunities for reflection and private prayer are present both inside and outside the school building. Children are encouraged to engage with the reflection spaces through either reading bible verses or engaging in the reflection activities. Our children are keen to explore their spirituality and we give them many opportunities to do so throughout the school day.
One of our reflection spaces - the willow dome
Before COVID-19 measures were put in place, worship on a Monday was led by the headteacher and on a Tuesday all children attended church where the clergy team lead worship. Parents were invited to join us for church worship. On Wednesday, all children from reception to Year 6 were asked to plan worship either individually or in small groups. The younger children planned their worship at home with the support of their parents. On Thursday, either the deputy headteacher or one of our many visitors led worship. Once a month, this act of worship was led by a whole class and parents were welcomed to attend. On a Friday, we ended the week with Celebration Worship which was led by the headteacher or by a member of the senior leadership team and was another chance for parents to join us in worship. Due to the ongoing pandemic, worship takes places daily in each individual class bubble.
Clergy Team of St John Baptist Church
As a school, we are privileged to be part of a church community with such a dedicated and supportive clergy team. They would support us with worship and lead church worship every Tuesday at 9.00am for the whole school. All members of the school and church community would be welcomed to join us for this service. Church worship follows the liturgical calendar and it ensures that the children are familiar with the Anglican tradition of worship.
We would also visit church on other important occasions throughout the year including Christmas for the nativity plays, Easter, the Leavers’ Service and, one of the highlights of the year, Ascension Day, when balloons are released from the top of the church tower to represent Jesus returning to heaven. If you look closely at the photograph below you may just see the balloons!
Children in Years 4, 5 and 6 would usually attend the church’s Eucharist Service once a half term. This is an opportunity for children to learn about this sacrament and for them to meet with the wider church community.
There are excellent links between church and school. The school takes part in a number of church events each year including the Remembrance Service and the annual Parish Gala and the clergy team play an active part in the life of the school.
Reverend Pauline is a governor and is ‘attached’ to the reception class. She leads children through confirmation classes and would also lead worship on a Tuesday.
Visitors to Worship
We enhance our worship by inviting a number of visitors to worship with us. We have particularly good links with the Salvation Army and have welcomed Captain Alex Cadogan and Darren Highton to lead worship for us on a number of occasions. We also welcome visitors from the Free Methodist church.
