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Chaplaincy
Woodchurch High School is a ‘School with a Church of England Trust’. As such, we have our own, on-site Chaplaincy Team, which is run in collaboration with St Mary’s Church (Church of England), Upton. The Chaplaincy Team is here to support both staff and pupils and promote our Christian ethos. The Chaplaincy is appointed and line-managed by the school, with the support of the Diocese of Chester.
The Christian ethos of our school makes us distinctive, as it fosters certain chara
cteristics and aims, which form the basis of daily life and all we do. The Christian values serve to reflect a fully inclusive approach with strong pastoral support for all pupils and staff, good opportunities for reflection, the encouragement of strong personal relationships, the promotion of justice, truth and love for all people, respect for all and celebration of diversity within the school family.
The work of the Chaplaincy Team underpin all of this work in the school community and beyond.
Please feel free to contact the Chaplaincy Team via the school email address if you have any further queries.
Collective Worship at Woodchurch High School
The Collective Worship Policy at Woodchurch High School pays due regard to statutory requirements, and has taken account of the guidance offered by the LA through its SACRE.
The Collective Worship Policy of Woodchurch High School is constant with thephilosophy and aims of the school as expressed in the school prospectus and website.
Definition of Collective Worship
Collective Worship is a time when the whole school, or groups within the school meet together in order to consider and reflect on common concerns, issues and interests. It offers all pupils an opportunity to worship through engaging in relevant, meaningful experiences and provides opportunities for the pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Aims of Collective Worship
For the School
Collective Worship contributes significantly to the ethos of Woodchurch High school and it is our aim that it is a time when the school community can:
- Worship God.
- Share common aims and values.
- Celebrate achievement and special times.
- Explore together the world in which we live.
- Develop a community spirit.
For the Pupils
We also intend that Collective Worship contributes to the development of the pupil as a ‘whole’ person by providing opportunities to:
- Worship that which is considered worthy.
- Consider spiritual and moral issues.
- Explore their own beliefs.
- Develop their own spirituality.
- Reinforce positive attitudes.
- Participate and respond.
- Reflect on what it means to be human.
The Contribution of Collective Worship to aspects of the Curriculum
Collective Worship time is distinct from curriculum time. However, in Woodchurch High School, Collective Worship will at times feature aspects of the curriculum, which will enhance the experiences of pupils by reflecting on the work done in classes. At times, Collective Worship will enrich class work through its consideration of subject matter from different perspectives.
The provision of opportunities for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is in line with school policy which informs our practice. To ensure Collective Worship provides opportunities for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development it should address a wide variety of themes and topics, use diverse stimuli and resources and provide pupils with the opportunity to ‘respond’ on their own level.
The Management of Collective Worship
The School Chaplain oversees the production of material for and deliverance of Collective Worship. The role of the Chaplain is to plan, monitor and evaluate acts of Collective Worship. The material which is produced is informed by current social affairs and events, for example; World Week of Prayer, Remembrance Day, Anti-Bullying week etc. A primary aim is making pupils and staff aware of current issues, the Christian principle attached to them and how best they can reflect on it and apply the meaning behind them to their life.
The Organisation of Collective Worship
Collective Worship is organised to provide a variety of groupings and will take place in the school hall or the classroom.
Acts of worship will usually last for approximately 10 minutes, although it is recognized that this time will be shortened or lengthened when it is appropriate.
Leadership
All form tutors lead Collective Worship or delegate responsibility to responsible pupils in the form who can read aloud or lead prayers. It is hoped that through this pupils can take initiative and gain confidence in speaking in front of their peers. One of the ways the School is doing this is nominating in each form two ‘Youth Chaplains’, who assist with the planning and presentation of material.
Planning Acts of Collective Worship
The content of all acts of Collective Worship will be considered carefully, to ensure relevance and suitability for the ages, aptitudes and backgrounds of all pupils.
Visitors will be welcome to lead Collective Worship from time to time and will be given guidance acts of Collective Worship at Woodchurch High School. Leaders from Faiths within the area will increase the pupils’ awareness, promote respect and raise the esteem of the pupils who belong to these Faiths.
The Act of Collective Worship
A variety of teaching and learning styles and active and interactive methods are appropriate in acts of Collective Worship. Any and all of the methods employed in the classroom can be used effectively in acts of Collective Worship. A variety of resources will also be used. Leaders will choose the style/method and resources which are appropriate to the content, the age, aptitude and the background of the pupils.
The content and process must be sufficiently stimulating in order to evoke a response in the individual. This may not be visual, but opportunity must be given to express this response through reflection and prayer.
If announcements are to be given at the same time as an act of worship then they will be of a positive nature, which at times may enhance the act of worship itself. Announcements will be made preceding the act of worship and a clearly defined break between them and the act of worship will be made. (A change of personnel, music, a moment of silence etc)
Withdrawal
Any parent who objects to their child attending an act or acts of Collective Worship may request that their child is withdrawn. Parents are encouraged to discuss this with the Headteacher. Any pupil who is withdrawn from an act or acts of Collective Worship will be supervised during that time by a member of the school staff. The responsibility then lies with the parents to provide material in this vein as they see appropriate.
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