School prayer and collective worship

At Ulcombe CE Primary School we are committed to fulfilling the values of being a Church of England school.

Our school prayer​

Heavenly Father,
Here is our school.
Let it be filled with Your Peace.
Let our rooms be full of happiness,
And respect for each other.
Let love be in our hearts,
With kindness and compassion for all.
Let us remember,
In learning together,
We grow together,
And succeed together.
Be with us as we walk together.

Amen

Spirituality at Ulcombe

At Ulcombe we believe that it is very important to provide all children with a range of opportunities to help them develop spiritually. We believe that spiritual development may not be synonymous with Understanding Beliefs and Collective Worship and can be explored through many
different curriculum areas.

Our starting point is our pupils’ own “Big” questions about life and from this we plan a series of encounters (Windows) that open up the possibility of reflection (Mirrors). Finally, the children are given an opportunity to put into action what they believe and value (Doors).

To view our Spirituality Policy, please click here.

WINDOWS: Encounter – the learning about life
We give children opportunities to become aware of the world in new ways, to wonder about life’s “Wows” (things that are amazing) and “Ows” (things that bring us up short).

MIRRORS: Reflection- the learning from life
We provide children with time for REFLECTION –“Ows”. We give children opportunities to reflect on their experiences, to look inward and consider the big questions of life. In this they are learning from life by exploring their own insights and perspectives and those of others. Give emotional, physical and auditory space.

DOORS: Transformation – the learning to live by putting into action what they believe
We give children opportunities to respond to all of this; to do – “nows” – something creative as a means of expressing, applying and further developing their thoughts and convictions. In this they are learning to live by putting into action what they are coming to believe and value.

Collective worship

The whole school takes part in a collective worship every day. The pupils lead parts of Worship everyday and are always involved.  

The aims of our collective worship are:

  • Explore the school’s vision and how that underpins shared values and virtues. It will reflect on moral values and contribute to academic progress. 
  • Help pupils and adults to appreciate the relevance of faith in today’s world.
  • Develop the understanding of the Christian belief in the trinitarian nature of God.
  • Have the opportunity for all pupils and adults to grow spiritually through experiences of prayer, stillness, worship and reflection. 
  • To develop a sense of awe and wonder
  • Pupils and adults to appreciate worship in different ways – music, silence, prayer, reflection etc.
  • Pupil Voice is important and valued. Pupils monitor, plan and lead AOW

AOW is 

Inclusive 

Invitational

Inspiring.

To view our Collective Worship Policy, please click here.

Year 6 went to Canterbury Catherdal. They joined in with a range of activities and led the Worship talk. I am very proud of all of the Ulcombe and Leeds and Broomfield pupils. 

Please see below a message from Canon Dr Quentin Roper Director of Education ‘An immense ‘thank you’ to the children who spoke at the Cathedral Schools Day worship this afternoon. I was so impressed by the way in which all of them brilliantly framed their reflections and questions around injustice. It’s a joy and privilege to experience how schools are enabling children to lead worship in this way; they were not just great advocates but offered a powerful message to both children and adults.

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All Saints Church

We are fortunate to have the support of St Nicholas Church, which is located in the village.

You can find out more about the Church by visiting the Len Valley Benefice website.