| Birmingham Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education
Collective Worship
Guidance for schools on Visiting Speakers at Collective Worship
Why have Visiting Speakers?
- They can give first-hand experience that learners will appreciate.
- They can provide a special perspective on an issue or faith.
- They can expand learners’ horizons.
- They provide links between the school and the outside community.
Schools should be conscious of the fact that visitors will be from a variety of background.
Some will be highly experienced, possibly employed by agencies to work in educational establishments; others may have an important experience to share but will need support in telling their story.
Some visitors will be worth using again and recommending to others, whilst some may be used only once.
Before the visit
- Take the name, position and contact details of the visitor.
- Ensure the visitor has a name and telephone number in case of delay/problems.
- Ensure a correct record of the date, time and any special arrangements are put into school diaries.
- Make sure other members of staff are aware of the arrangements.
- Clarify with the visitor what is expected:
Practically
- how long their slot is in the assembly.
- the numbers and ages of the children/young people.
- the size and nature of the room.
- any equipment that may be required and what is available (e.g. DVD player, computer, projector, power source).
- expected arrival time.
Spiritually
- the need for an opportunity to worship.
- Collective Worship must be appropriate for children/young people with or without a faith background. e.g. rather than saying ‘Let us pray’ say: ‘You may wish to use these words as a prayer or for personal reflection’.
On the day
- Make sure the visitor is met. (Preferably by the person coordinating the visit.)
- Make the visitor feel welcome: offer a drink, show him/her where the staffroom and toilets are. If you are not personally able to stay, ensure that there is someone else (perhaps a child/young person).
- Show the visitor where the act of Collective Worship will take place and how the room will be arranged.
- Explain to them what the usual format is.
- Find out how the visitor would like to be introduced (first name, title, etc.) and ensure that someone is briefed to introduce him/her. The visitor should also be told who to hand over to at the end of their slot.
- Thank the visitor.
NB. Staff should be present, both to be responsible for the children’s/young people’s behaviour but also so that they are able to meaningfully follow up on any issues raised by the visitor.
Following the visit, sensitive and constructive feedback should be given.
Please let Simone Whitehouse know of any visitors you have found to be either excellent or unsuitable.
Documents:
Collective Worship working group notes for SACRE
Application to SACRE for a Determination for Collective Worship
Application to SACRE for a Review of Determination for Collective Worship
Determinations:
City Road Primary School
Parkfield Community School
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