WORSHIP 

Our vision at Hampsthwaite school is for each child to ‘Enjoy, Achieve…Flourish; learning and growing together with every individual developing their skills, interests and talents, each contributing to the whole in their own creative way.  

We take our role as teachers, coaches and mentors seriously and reflect on how in the Bible, linking with our school parable of ‘The Mustard Seed’, we are like a living, growing tree, where we all connect together and are dependent upon each other, with a common core (trunk) and individuals’ creative expression growing out of this (branches). 

As well as our school vision and values, Collective Worship plays a critical and pivotal role in the life of our school. Our vision translates into and impacts directly on our collective worship provision as outlined below:  

Enjoy 

Our children enjoy the experience of worship because it is:  

• Invitational, offering everyone the opportunity to engage in the act of worship, whilst allowing the freedom for those of other faiths and none to be present with integrity. 

• Inspiring and creative, impacting the whole community and motivating them into action. 

• Inclusive, where all are included, have a voice and are listened to. 

• A valued part of the culture of the school, breathing life into every aspect of the school day.  

Achieve 

Through worship, children achieve an explore Christian Values through the teachings of the bible as well as stories from other faiths and cultures. They consider how these values can influence and impact on their lives and the lives of others, helping them to improve our world  

Flourish 

Collective Worship creates opportunity to celebrate diversity and uniqueness as well as our school values of ‘Belief, Creativity, Friendship, Respect and Support, enabling us all to flourish. Through participation in and leadership of worship in its different forms (whole school and classroom based) children experience success and achievement.  

Worship in school 

Collective Worship takes place daily and is based on our Christian values for each half term. Our worship is both whole school and also class based and is a time for reflection and discussion. This balance provides regular opportunities for our school community to worship together while allowing opportunity for worship in smaller groups. In smaller groups, themes are explored in detail with an age-appropriate focus and also create opportunity of children to lead worship with their peers.  

A well established recognisable rhythm of worship, including a welcome, story, reflection, songs and prayer all help ensure worship time is distinctive, special and impacts on the children’s lives. 

The vicar of St. Thomas a Becket Church, Hampsthwaite, is Reverend Suzy McCarter.  

Reverend Suzy regularly leads worship in school and her assemblies are based on Bible stories and stories that reflect the church year. We have strong links with our local church and we worship in church throughout the year including times such as: Harvest, Christmas and Easter.  

You can find out more about the worship at St. Thomas a Becket church by following this link: Hampsthwaite - Welcome to our United Benefice (hfkb.co.uk)   

Collective Worship Themes

We have created an annual cycle of themes that are explored through Collective Worship. Please click on the link below to access the themes each term and the home school value sheets that are shared with parents/carers each half term