Collective Worship meets Philosphy for Children

At St John's Church of England School in Orton Goldhay (Peterborough) the school has been working with philosophy for children and thinking skills for several years and this is beginning to impact significantly on the pupils, who are noticeably more thoughtful and articulate as a result.

Now the school is experimenting with using the same techniques in their collective worship on Monday mornings where adults and children together discuss "The Big Issue".

Here's how it works in practice:

Gathering

Children sit informally in twos and threes within their houses in a circle around the worship table.  The worship begins with lighting the candle and a child reading a prayer.

Engaging

The headteacher introduces the Big Issue of the day.  This can be directly from the Bible, or a Biblical teaching will be introduced at some point in the discussion which follows.

Responding

Children buzz the issue with their neighbours (adults nearby join in with children's groups).  Those who wish to stand and comment can (this has to be carefully managed).  Different extending questions are introduced into the discussions.  Children are encouraged to listen carefully and ask questions of each other in the big forum. A TA captures the debate in the form of a poster which will remind everyone of the ideas and themes.

Responding /Sending

After the discussion is drawn to a close the assembly is given time to reflect on a key message of the debate or a related Biblical teaching and the session is closed with prayer.

So how is this for a "Fresh Expression of Worship"?  What do you think? The important issue is whether these sessions contain elements which can truly be recognised as worship rather than philosophy.  The way in which those present are led to finally reflect and respond to the discussion stimulus is of key importance here, and this last element should be carried out in an appropriately worshipful manner and acknowledge a clear Christian focus.

it would not be suitable for schools to organise all their collective worship in this way - the other worship sessions at St John's are all in the more traditional collective worship style we all know and use!

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