MG 6928

Collective Worship

Collective worship at St Bernadette School is at the heart of school life and reflects its strong Catholic identity. It is carefully planned and rooted in the Church’s liturgical year, ensuring a rich, coherent and progressive spiritual experience for all pupils. A clear annual structure supports regular opportunities for prayer and liturgy, allowing pupils to engage meaningfully on a daily, weekly and seasonal basis.

Worship is inclusive and accessible to all, enabling pupils of every age and ability to participate with confidence and growing spiritual understanding. Through a wide range of prayer styles—such as scripture reflection, silence and traditional prayers—pupils develop a deep knowledge of prayer and show reverence, attentiveness and a genuine sense of encounter with God. The introduction of class saints further strengthens pupils’ sense of belonging and faith identity.

Music plays a key role in enhancing worship, with high-quality singing, regular worship through song and contributions from school and parish choirs creating uplifting and reflective experiences.

Pupil leadership is a significant strength. Faith Ambassadors and prayer leaders actively plan, lead and evaluate worship, supporting both their peers and younger pupils. This encourages independence, creativity and a strong understanding of liturgy.

Each day worship takes place in the school:

Hymn Practice

On Tuesdays each phase gathers together to sing songs of praise to God and practise hymns and songs that we use for our collective worship and for Mass.

Phase Assemblies

Each Phase (Key stage one, Key stage two) gather together each week for collective worship linked to the liturgical season or other religious themes such as Saints. Teachers from each phase take turns leading the children in worship.

Child Led Liturgy

Each week, different children in each class prepare and lead their class in worship. In the EYFS and key stage one the children are guided by adults to prepare for this. In key stage two the children independently plan their own worship.

Teacher Led Liturgy

Teachers plan a weekly worship for their class to allow time for reflection and prayer based on a religious theme.

Celebration Collective Worship

Each Friday the whole school community comes together for a time of collective worship. We also celebrate the achievements of the school that week. We end the week together by thanking God for all He has helped us to achieve that week.

Mass

Throughout the year we have the joy of celebrating the Sacrament of the Eucharist in St Bernadette Church which we are fortunate to have next door. Children help to prepare and lead the Mass through Altar Serving, reading and bringing up the gifts during Mass. On different occasions parents and guardians are invited to join us for Mass.

Liturgies

Throughout the year, to mark important events in the Church’s liturgical year, we hold special Liturgies.