Page 6 - Demo

COLLECTIVE WORSHIP IN THE SCHOOL.Collective worship is a designated time in the week where we come together as a school community to focus on the different aspects of the life and the teachings of Jesus Christ. We use a variety of avenues to deliver collective worship. We use %u2018Roots and Fruits%u2019 resources which allows the pupils to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus. We have weekly visits by Mother Katy or Father Paul where worship allows pupils to further reflect on weekly themes or dates in the church diary. St George%u2019s also has close links with the Chaplain at The Blue Coat School who delivers collective worship on a half termly basis. Pupils continue to engage positively with the dynamic style of his delivery and clear messages. We thread the %u2018Roots and Fruits%u2019 themes with the Cranmer Trust themes which allow the pupils time to reflect and have a personal connection with their faith and beliefs. Through this shared experience the pupils come together as a family and take comfort in a strong sense of belonging and mutual care and respect for one another. Our recent SIMS inspection stated, %u2018Collective worship is highly valued. Worship is used by leaders to promote the vision and values of the school, further developing the strong sense of togetherness.%u2019Within each class the pupils have a reflection space where they can add their thoughts and prayers to share with others or as a point of self-reflection. The pupils are set a question to reflect on and discuss, based on the first collective worship of the week, responses to this question can be both verbal or written using the reflection space in the hall. Pupils often make valuable contributions to the interactive worship display which has a new focus each week linked to the overarching theme for the half term. Each class has the chance to lead worship each half term and the pupils have engaged positively and valued this opportunity. Pupils share worship based on the themes of the school, occasions driven by the time of year or teachings linked to learning from religious education lessons. Each worship links to encouraging the pupils to shine their LIGHT.LIGHT is threaded through all teaching within the school and teaches the pupils to become responsible citizens within the community. LIGHT stands for Love of learning %u2013 we want pupils to be lifelong learners. Independence %u2013 we want pupils to develop resilience and confidence in all areas of life. God in our Hearts %u2013 showing love, care and respect for one another. High achieving %u2013 ensuring all pupils achieve their full potential academically and socially. Together and one family %u2013 encouraging the pupils to have a sense of belonging within the community to be the best that we can be.TEACHING PUPILS ABOUT FAITHThroughout collective worship and through our curriculum the pupils are invited to consider their faith and the faith of others. Opportunities are given for pupils to share special celebrations with the class, sharing their own experiences and personal faith. Pupils learn about other faiths through the RE curriculum and involvement with these lessons brings faith to life for all pupils. Questions and sharing experiences are encouraged so that the pupils are given the opportunity to engage in learning and develop a ever growing understanding. Staff have been developing their understanding of the new Manchester Diocese syllabus using the different opportunities provided for continuing professional development. The Manchester Diocese RE syllabus has been developed to reflect current thinking and research around religion and worldviews. The scheme has a balanced approach to teaching Christianity and other religions and world views. Our recent SIAMs inspection was positive about the Christian vision which underpins all aspects of school life. It was highlighted that the shared commitment to the vision assists the flourishing of all pupils and adults, within a loving and supportive community. OTHER EXPERIENCES THAT TEACH PUPILS ABOUT FAITHEach year the school has a designated day that allows pupils to immerse themselves in a specific theme. These themes have included carnival, sport and last year we had a day celebrating Faith. All pupils were immersed in a range of celebrations, dance opportunities and art that links with different faiths within the world. Pupils who are in upper key stage 2 have enjoyed experiences with The Blue Coat School celebrating Faith days as well as design technology days. The pupils in upper key stage 2 have also had the opportunity to attend an annual residential. This is a fantastic and unforgettable experience where the pupils learn about themselves and their resilience as well as develop key team building skills. FAITH IN ACTION AND COMMUNITYPupils are encouraged to take ownership of %u2018living like Jesus%u2019 in their way that they respond to one another and the wider community. Older pupils are encouraged to be role models to the younger pupils through a range of opportunities such as in the dining hall, moving around the school and supporting a younger class within the school through collective worship times. The older pupils have the opportunity to become ambassadors where they will represent the school in a number of positive ways. Responsibility and roles are encouraged in the school with roles such as eco council members, school council, Faith champions and presentation champions. Through all of these opportunities the pupils are encouraged to live out our school mission of letting our LIGHT shine. Pupils are given the opportunity to support the local community through supporting foodbanks and fund raising for local charities. THE AWE AND WONDER ASPECT OF SPIRITUALITYThis year, as with previous years, a number of pupils attended %u2018Young Voices%u2019 in Manchester. This is a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to experience a live concert as well as being an active part within it. The pupils have enjoyed this experience each year to not only be part of the school choir but also a wider community of choirs that come together to share in song and celebration. The curriculum has been designed to take advantage of the local area. The pupils learn more about the mills that were once in the area as well as those that are still visible. They learn about and walk to local rivers and parks to experience first hand what they are learning about. Visitors are vital within the school to allow the pupils to immerse themselves in learning. This year, so far, we have welcomed the mountain rescue team, a space specialist and some pupils have visited Castleshaw to further bring learning to life. Upper key stage 2 have experienced a residential where they showed determination, courage and resilience with the support of their peers. Year 4 pupils attend swimming session and have shown determination to improve from their starting point. Our most recent SIMS inspection stated, %u2018The school has created an ambitious curriculum which enables pupils to flourish. Parents and staff speak passionately about how it has fostered a love of learning for all. The curriculum builds on prior knowledge and prepares pupils for the next stage of their education. The most vulnerable are well cared for at St George%u2019s.%u2019Pupils are encouraged to share their personal achievements East Crompton St George%u2019s Primary School