Collective Worship
The daily Act of Worship and Collective Worship are very important aspects of our community life and reflect our status as a Church of England School.
The opportunity to meet in groups and share quiet time in reflection (ie Collective Worship) before the start of the school day is valued by staff and students alike. The meeting of groups for assembly or for tutorials provides opportunities for Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship Education which contributes to the academic attainment and personal development of students. During tutorial periods, students will be given the opportunity for worship, (ie an Act of Worship).
There are opportunities for all students to attend St Mary’s Church for Collective Worship and to participate in Eucharist/Communion at least once each half term. Special Eucharist services celebrate key events in the School and Christian year. The School has very close links with the St Mary the Virgin Church and the School visits the church from time to time throughout the school year such as for our Founders Day Service in the spring term and our Christmas Service in December.
‘Very strong links are maintained with the Diocese and particularly with St Mary’s Church’ (Ofsted 2010)
Parents/carers of students applying to attend St Mary’s High School are expected to support the Christian ethos of the School as we believe that it is fundamental to the successful inclusion of all students in our community.
Parents / carers may choose to withdraw their child from the daily Act Of Worship and Collective Worship. This request must be made in writing to the Head Teacher explaining the reasons for the request.
St Mary’s Prayer Box
A Prayer Box has been set up following a request from Student Voice and can be found to the left of the entrance to the main hall. It is for the whole community to use as and when anyone wishes. A note pad and pen have been left by the box so that students, staff and visitors to the school can write their prayers onto the note paper and then place them into the box. The prayers will then be blessed during collective worship by the clergy.
