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Longfield Academy Collective Worship Policy

June 2006

School Assemblies
Assemblies help to develop the tone and atmosphere of Longfield Academy and a corporate spirit amongst students and staff. Although our assemblies will take account of the fact that Christianity is the religious tradition central to the heritage and experience of most of our students, we believe that they should be conducted on a much wider basis - that of 'WORSHIP, CELEBRATION AND EXPLORATION'.

a) COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

We aim to:

• explore worthwhile ideals and values expressed in religious and non-religious contexts;
• help students understand the nature and complementary character of beliefs and practices involved in worship;
• explore and celebrate aspects of religious worship in an open atmosphere;
• assist students to learn those skills which will help them to observe intelligently, or if they wish, to enter fully into worship;
• help students to stand in other people's shoes' as they listen to forms or aspects of worship which are new to them;
• create an atmosphere in which students may respond freely and individually to personal worship.

b) CELEBRATION

We aim to:

• celebrate the achievements of individuals, classes or groups of students and staff across many areas of the curriculum and extra-curricular activities, as well as achievements in the local and larger community;
• celebrate what has meaning, value and purpose for them;

c) EXPLORATION

We aim to:

• develop the sensitivity of students to the range of life's mysteries and the human quest for meaning in the presence of them;
• encourage students to explore the nature of their community and their role within the school, the local and wider community.

d) ADMINISTRATION

Assemblies are an important part of our communication system. Notices will be given during assemblies. Additional assemblies may be convened to deal with issues pertinent to any year group.

Administrative Arrangements The Senior Deputy Headteacher is responsible for organising School Assemblies.

Staff may volunteer to lead assemblies and guests will be invited to take them. TUTOR GROUPS may be actively involved in assemblies at any time. All assemblies should be short (maximum of 5 minutes) and take into account the students needs, age, aptitude and faith backgrounds.

Assemblies will be convened in a quiet and orderly manner by the Key Stage 3, 4 or 5 Co-ordinator, assisted by Heads of Year. Group Tutors must accompany their classes to the Hall and ensure that they wait in silence for the assembly to commence.

Parents are informed of their right to withdraw their son/daughter from assemblies. Any student not attending assemblies for this reason visits the library.

If a member of staff does not wish to attend that part of an assembly concerned with 'Collective Worship' on religious grounds he/she should see the Headteacher. Such staff will still be expected to escort their classes to the Hall and be present for any notices.

The emphasis will vary from Assembly to Assembly. An 'Assembly' can take place in the context of the entire School, part of the School, a Year Group or a Form.

Pattern of Assemblies
Years 7 – 9	Mondays & Fridays	Hall
Years 10 – 11	Tuesdays & Thursdays	Hall
Years 12 – 13	Wednesdays	Hall
Year 7	Tuesdays	11th Year Common Room
Year 8	Wednesdays	11th Year Common Room
Year 9	Thursdays	11th Year Common Room
Year 10	Fridays	11th Year Common Room
Year 11	Mondays	11th Year Common Room
Year 12/13	Mondays	Sixth Form Common Room