Collective Worship
At Avanti schools we take part in daily acts of collective worship, which, inclusive to all, will balance the major faith traditions with our distinctive ethos and understanding of spiritual worship. Collective worship involves: singing, story-telling, drama, pupil presentations, inquiry, discussions from members of the community, (e.g. Hindu priest, Christian Priest etc), prayer and reflection.
Pupils often comment, that the morning collective worship calms them down and increases their focus and concentration for the day. Collective worship sessions are whole school every Monday and Friday led by Senior Leaders and in the classrooms every other day facilitated by the class teachers. The strength of this approach enables any practitioner irrespective of their personal beliefs to support with the development of spiritual insight within their classes. Every Friday, our Year 6 Prefects lead on celebrating achievement and share a special and unique message based on their observations of the school from across the week.
Collective worship also includes special festival celebrations including, Ramnavami, Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Gaura Purnima & Holi, Ratha Yatra and many others. These celebrations uplift the whole school with their colour, devotion and pleasing mood.
‘Devotional ceremonies are designed to bring our attention to the presence of God within and around us and to infuse us with that spirit. When properly understood and performed, such worship leaves deep, positive impressions within the mind. A well- designed ritual takes the practitioner’s body and mind through a series of steps that are simultaneously aesthetically pleasing and spiritually purifying.’ Radhanath Swami
Children can be withdrawn from these sessions although we strongly encourage everyone to be involved as they are vital learning opportunities to break down barriers between different faiths and belief systems. Please talk with the Principal or PRE Lead should you wish to discuss this further.
Collective worship will help to:
- Consolidate pupils’ faith by providing positive spiritual experiences
- Enrich the distinctive character of the school
- Generate a culturally and spiritually nurturing atmosphere
- Nurture pupils’ self-esteem and their religious traditions
- Help pupils become well-versed, self-reliant and skilled in worship
- Develop pupils’ critical and reflective thinking skills
- Nurture the children’s natural attraction for God