Condover School Prayer

Dear God,

Teach us about love — to show kindness to everyone, to share and help those in need, to use kind words instead of hurtful ones, and to care for each other every day.

Teach us about trust — to trust others when we need help, and to be trustworthy by telling the truth, keeping promises, and doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

Teach us about forgiveness — to say sorry when we hurt someone, to forgive others when they hurt us, and to let go of anger so we can start fresh.

Fill our hearts with love, forgiveness, and trust, so our school can be a happy and safe place for everyone.

Thank You, God, for all the good things in our lives.

Amen.

 

Collective worship involves all members of our school sharing time together in quiet moments of reflection to celebrate life and to show reverence to God. We welcome one another through sign language. We light a candle and welcome those present, reminding them that we light each candle to represent our values of Love, forgiveness and trust.

Every day, we schedule quiet moments for prayer; we have a special school prayer, as well as prayers for lunchtime and home time. We have daily assemblies led by teachers, children and members of the local church. The leaders will invite everyone to join them in quiet moments of reflection too. We sing hymns and reflect on our lives, to show our thankfulness towards God.

How do the theologically rooted Christian vision and Anglican foundation of the school shape worship and spirituality here?

Through a carefully planned approach, rooted in our vision and in Jesus' teaching we shape the worship and spirituality at our school. 

Worship links with Picture news, current affairs, spirituality and children's lives. Song and praise is led by staff and a local church leads worship once a week also. Children gather, engage, respond and share worship. Every child is included and can respond in a way which aligns to who they are and what they believe. 

Worship also happens outside of school. Children lead worship at St Andrew's and St Mary's Church at Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas, Easter and a Leaver's Service. 

Our songs are chosen to reflect the story and value, and we all enjoy the togetherness of music.

We take part in the annual Year 6 service, held at Hereford Cathedral. This service marks an important moment in the life of each Year 6 child. Through coming together, children are able to celebrate their time at primary school and to gain strength as they move onto secondary school. 

We have strong partnerships with the DBE. Our Deputy CEO is a member of the DBE. We have a partnership agreement in place with the Diocese who facilitate quality professional development for staff.  Our links with St Andrew's and St Mary's All Saints, reflect our rural location. 

In what ways is the worship life of the school inclusive, invitational and inspirational?

The purpose of worship in our school is to bring us together, in celebration, in stillness, to think, learn, sing and reflect. Working with our local clergy, staff, and children, we have created an approach to worship which is right for our school.  

Worship is based on being inclusive, invitational and inspirational. We use imagery, song, quiet, story and reflection. Parents are included in worship on Fridays, in Church and through the weekly newsletter.

Worship is the heartbeat of our school. It focusses on oracy and story through strong theological roots, Jesus' teaching, courageous advocacy and current affairs, as well as  through song and praise. Once a week, a member of our local clergy leads worship, linking into the value and basing their session on Jesus’ life.

Our planning puts our vision and core values of love, forgiveness and trust at the forefront. Children lead worship, welcoming one another at the door, signing our welcome. Worship follows a simple format (gather, engage, respond and share) where children and adults are included, have time to learn, reflect and then use what they have learnt in everyday life. We encourage evaluation of worship and give feedback so that we can make sure that it makes a difference. 

How do we make sure that everyone is included?

We celebrate what makes us different and what we share. We offer children the opportunity to join in with the peace and prayer at the end of worship. We encourage children to share their experiences of prayer.

Our ethos is demonstrated in our school family and the ‘feel’ that exists within our school. This warmth reflects the love which exists. Worship leaders are a chosen to represent their peers and do so with pride and confidence.

How do we develop opportunities for prayer?

We pray in different places in and out of the school; in the hall, in classrooms, in the school grounds, the spiritual garden and staffroom. We are also mindful of those moments when individuals seek a moment of calm and prayer when they want to be on their own.  We respect and encourage this.