Our life as a
Church School
Collective worship
In all Church of England schools, collective worship reflects the traditions of the Church of England and develops learners' understanding of Anglican traditions and practice.
Across the Schools of Woolton Hill we take part in a daily act of Collective Worship, these are mostly as a whole school, but there is also a weekly class worship which gives each class a time to ponder questions and values more deeply. We focus on a value each half term and consider how these might link to our core values of Wisdom, Courage & Respect; as well as in the wider community.
While it is a Christian act of worship, we welcome children of Christian faith, other faiths and no faith to our worship and ensure it is planned to enable all children and staff to benefit without compromising their beliefs.
Collective worship in our school gives children and school staff the opportunity to:
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Engage in an act of community
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Express praise and thanksgiving to God
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Be still and reflect
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Explore the big questions of life and respond to national events
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Foster respect and deepen spiritual awareness
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Reflect on the character of God and on the teachings of Christ
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Affirm Christian values and attitudes
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Share each other's joys and challenges
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Celebrate special times in the Christian calendar
Our Collective Worships take many forms. Sometimes they are quiet and reflective; at other times they are loud and interactive. Many different activities help us to give thanks to God and to celebrate being part of our community.
Our Fridays, Collective Celebration is a special time to celebrate progress in learning as well as celebrate children who have demonstrated our core values that week. Any member of our school community can nominate children for our Star Awards.
St Thomas' Church
We enjoy good links with the local community church – St Thomas’. Our church team is headed by Rev Christine Dale. Rev Christine leads worship in both the schools, as well as leading the school in worship when we visit the church. You can find more information using the links below, including where you will find out more information about how they serve our local community and how you can take an active part in this.
Contact details
Rev Canon Christine Dale
St Thomas' Church
Church St, East Woodhay,
Woolton Hill,
Newbury RG20 9XG
Our Federation consists of St Thomas Church of England Controlled Infant School and Woolton Hill Church Affiliated Junior School.
Welcome from Rev Christine
It has been a joy and privilege to be involved with the lively partnership between St Thomas’ Church and St Thomas’ Church of England Infant School during the eighteen years I have served as Incumbent and Foundation Governor of the Infant School. The enthusiasm, spirituality and creativity of the children is always a joy and the Excellent outcome of the SIAMS inspection is an indication of how thoroughly Christian values have become embedded into our school life. I am particularly involved in supporting collective worship: with the Christian year giving structure and shape to the exploration of faith and values and celebration of school, church and community life.
High points are special services in church, including Harvest, Christmas, Easter and a Leavers’ service. I also welcome the children for some of their ‘everyday’ worships in church and it is wonderful to see those involved in the Worship Team grow in confidence through their participation.
Children come to regard the church as their own and those who join Woolton Hill Junior School continue to do so. They also come to church for school services at festivals and the clergy team and I keep in touch, supporting educational visits in church or collective worship and Christian faith topics at school. Touching points between the two schools and church include a common approach to Harvest, a joint Remembrance service for year 2s and year 6s in addition to various community activities. The link with Bulera School in the Diocese of Mityana in Uganda, a local churches’ initiative, is supported by both schools and the church.
Every Blessing
Rev Canon Christine Dale
