Collective worship is central to the life of High Wycombe C of E School, and creates a daily focus on aspects of life in the context of our Christian vision and ethos. Worship is distinctively Christian and offers children and adults the opportunity to grow spiritually individually and together so that the school’s vision ‘Be Strong and Courageous’ can be realised. It seeks to be invitational, inclusive and to inspire hearts and minds of all who are present.

Our school worship reflects the Anglican foundation of the school. However, we recognise that many in our community come from different faiths or worldviews. Diversity in religion, race and culture is a celebrated aspect of our school community, and the integrity of our pupils and staff, and that of the faith communities which they represent, is always respected. Our aim is that all in our community are both invited to join worship and feel included in this important part of our school day.

Each child experiences a daily act of collective worship. There is a distinction made between assembly, where routine notices and a celebration of achievement take place and collective worship where God is acknowledged and His nature and purposes are reflected upon.

Our collective worship provides pupils and staff the opportunity to:

• celebrate:   - Christian seasons and festivals as well as pupils’ and adults’ achievements

• experience prayer, stillness, worship and reflection

• understand the school’s vision and its theological inspiration

• understand the school’s Christian values and how they influence behaviour and relationships

• grow in understanding of and participation in prayer

• create a reflective approach to life including the exploration of deep questions

• develop as a community centred on our clear and distinctive Christian vision

• experience a variety of styles of worship

• participate and respond, through active involvement in the planning, leading and evaluation of worship

• feel safe and affirmed

• Worship God on their own terms

Worship will reflect aspects of the curriculum and in particular will:

• nurture spiritual growth

• enable participants to consider moral questions in a Christian context

• enhance social understanding and encourage responses to issues through courageous advocacy

• give participants a chance to reflect on the place and importance of faith in the lives of people today

• encourage participants to explore beliefs drawn from their own cultural heritage

• reflect the teachings of Jesus and a Trinitarian theology