Collective Worship and British Values
Our Vision
At St Philip’s CE Primary School, our mission statement is:
“What God has created, we nurture and celebrate in His love.”
This vision underpins all aspects of school life and is lived out through our seven Christian values:
Trust, Friendship, Courage, Compassion, Justice, Perseverance and Respect.
These values guide our relationships, learning and decision-making, helping every member of our school community to flourish and fulfil their God-given potential.
Collective Worship: The Heartbeat of Our School
Collective Worship is the heartbeat of our school and a vital expression of our Christian distinctiveness. As a Church of England school, we welcome and respect people of all faiths and none, ensuring that worship supports the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of every child.
Collective Worship also plays an important role in promoting the British Values of:
Through worship, children are encouraged to reflect on their place in the world, develop their understanding of others and grow as responsible citizens.
Our Worship Ethos: Inclusive, Invitational and Inspirational
The Church of England states that worship in its schools should be inclusive, invitational and inspirational. These principles align closely with British Values by encouraging freedom of thought, respect, understanding and personal growth.
Inclusive
Worship is accessible to everyone and provides opportunities for participation, reflection, questioning or simply being present. Children of all faith backgrounds and none are welcomed and valued.
This reflects the British Values of:
Invitational
Children are invited, but never compelled, to engage with worship. Everyone is free to participate in a way that feels appropriate and meaningful to them.
This reflects the British Value of:
The Church of England describes this approach as “warm fires and open doors”—offering clear Christian teaching and opportunities for spiritual reflection within a welcoming and respectful environment.
Inspirational
Worship encourages children to ask big questions, think deeply, grow spiritually and act with compassion and courage.
This supports:
Our Worship Welcome
At the beginning of worship, we share the following welcome:
“Whatever your faith, beliefs or background, you are welcome here. We invite you to join this time of worship in your own way.”
This statement is important because it:
British Values Through Our Christian Values
Throughout the year, our seven Christian values provide meaningful opportunities to explore and promote British Values.
Trust
Children learn about honesty, reliability, responsibility and the importance of strong relationships, supporting the Rule of Law and shared responsibility within a democratic community.
Friendship
Children develop empathy, cooperation and understanding, promoting Mutual Respect and Tolerance.
Courage
Children are encouraged to stand up for what is right, express their views respectfully and make positive choices, supporting Individual Liberty and Democracy.
Compassion
Children learn to care for others, serve their communities and respond to need with kindness, promoting Mutual Respect and social responsibility.
Justice
Children explore fairness, equality and advocacy, helping them understand the Rule of Law and the importance of treating others with dignity.
Perseverance
Children develop resilience, determination and self-belief, supporting Individual Liberty and personal responsibility.
Respect
Children learn to value differences, celebrate diversity and build positive relationships, strengthening Mutual Respect and Tolerance.
These values shape behaviour, character development and daily life across the school.
Our Worship Themes Across the Year
1. Values-Based Worship
Our worship explores Bible stories, Christian teachings, world faith perspectives, current events, music and reflection activities. These help children understand how Christian values connect with British Values, including fairness, justice, service, responsibility and community.
2. Roots and Fruits and Wider Resources
We use the Roots and Fruits worship programme alongside a wide range of additional resources, including Picture News, to ensure worship is engaging, relevant and reflective of diverse Christian traditions and global perspectives.
This supports:
by helping children understand Christianity as a rich, diverse and worldwide faith.
3. Religious Festivals from Different Faith Traditions
Whilst our worship is distinctly Christian, we recognise and celebrate major festivals from a range of world faiths.
This helps children:
In worship, we acknowledge and celebrate significant religious festivals.
Within the curriculum, pupils explore these festivals and faith traditions in greater depth through Religious Education and wider learning opportunities.
4. Celebration Worship
Our celebration worship recognises achievements in learning, behaviour, service, leadership and living out our Christian values.
These occasions reinforce:
5. Pupil-Led Worship
Our Collective Worship Leaders contribute to planning, leading and evaluating worship.
This supports:
How Collective Worship Promotes British Values
Through Collective Worship, pupils learn to:
At St Philip’s CE Primary School, Collective Worship provides a safe and welcoming space where every child is valued and encouraged to flourish.
Rooted in our vision, “What God has created, we nurture and celebrate in His love,” our worship enables children to grow in faith, character and understanding, preparing them to contribute positively to their communities and wider society while embodying both Christian and British Values.