'Worship provides a valued space for ’something special to happen’. It creates a sense of unity where all are included and pupils and adults gather as one. Meaningful moments of stillness, singing and reflection enrich opportunities for spiritual development.' (SIAMS 2024)

 

At St Paul's CE Primary we believe that one of the most important marks distinguishing Church Schools from others is the importance placed on the spiritual life of all members of the school community.  At St Paul's, there is an integral partnership between the content and conduct of school worship and the ethos of the school.  Staff and pupils share together in worship in order to support the promotion of our Christian values.

Collective worship is valued by the whole school community; it is joyful, exciting and thought-provoking. What happens in worship permeates the rest of school life, feeding into reflection areas, and leading to action e.g. charity theme linked to biblical stories to support this inspired each class to choose class charities that are local for the year to focus on. Collective worship at St Paul’s CE Primary School takes the form of whole school, class worships and also wider community worships so that pupils and families have the opportunity to engage in a worship in a variety of environments and therefore caters for individual preferences.

An atmosphere of prayer pervades the school, manifesting itself within collective Worship and also in the provision of prayer tables/reflection areas in each classroom.

Pupils participate through singing, in prayer, and demonstrate respect throughout Worship.

 

 

 

 

All classes will lead one shared worship each term which families are invited to (except Reception- only Summer Term, although they will have their bible dedication ceremony).

Class worships happen weekly and this provides a more intimate opportunity for worship and reflection. Many classes choose to use their class worship books during this time as an aid for discussion and deeper thinking about the theme. Class reflection areas are also used during this time and are also available throughout the rest of the school week for children to access independently.

Worship is lead in school by class teachers, the senior leadership team, Father David Chadwick from St Paul's Church, other local members of clergy and also Louise from Wearside Youth for Christ.

Weekly themes are planned each term that are linked to the church seasons.  Please see below information for 2025/2026 Worship themes and dates:

 

Autumn Term 2025 Worship Themes

Week beginning	Theme	Shared Worship
08.09.25	New Beginnings
15.09.25	Charity
22.09.25	Friendship
29.09.25	Truth
06.10.25	Skills / Talents	Reception bible dedication ceremony (Wednesday 15th October at 2.30pm)
13.10.25	Love	Y5
20.10.25	Harvest
HALF TERM
03.11.25	Remembrance	Y6
10.11.25	Strength	Y3
17.11.25	Determination	Y3-4
24.11.25	Courage	Y4
01.12.25	Advent
08.12.25	Christmas	KS1 Nativity
15.12.25	Christmas	EYFS Christmas Singalong

 

 

Spring Term 2026 Worship Themes

Week beginning	Theme	Shared Worship
05.01.26	No Outsiders
12.01.25	The Baptism of Jesus
19.01.26	Kindness
26.01.26	St Paul
02.02.26	Compassion	Y5
09.02.26	Friendship	Y1-2
16.02.26	Forgiveness	Y6
	Ash Wednesday (18.02.26) Beginning the Lenten Journey	/
HALF TERM
02.03.26	Courage	Y1
09.03.26	Mothering Sunday – Love & Care
16.03.26	Service	Y2
23.03.26	Peace
30.03.26	Easter: Love & Sacrifice	Lower KS2 Easter Service

 

Summer Term 2026 Worship Themes

Week beginning	Theme	Shared Worship
20.04.26	Life and Hope
27.04.26	Trust	Y3
04.05.25	Miracles (of the disciples)	Y5
11.05.26	Ascension Day
18.05.26	Pentecost (Courage)	Y4
HALF TERM
01.06.26	No Outsiders
08.06.26	Faith	Y1
15.06.26	Perseverance	Y3-4
22.06.26	Service
29.06.26	Motivation	Y2
06.07.26	Doing the Right Thing	Y1-2
13.07.26	Changes	Reception
20.07.26	Holidays	Y6 Leavers Ceremony