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| Using the Collective Worship programmes |
Something to Think About (age 5 - 7) and Together (age 7 - 11) are designed for use throughout the United Kingdom in any primary school.
In England and Wales legislation requires a daily act of worship which is 'wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character'. While both radio series reflect this requirement, they can also be used to support similar activities in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The legislation for England and Wales allows considerable discretion to schools in matters of content and organisation and this is reflected in the programmes too.
Listening groups:
Although most schools use the series in large school groups - all the 4 to 7 year olds for Something to Think About and all the 7 to 11 year olds for Together - an increasing number is listening in class assemblies. Some teachers use just the story from the recordings and build their own act of worship around it.
The inclusive content:
Both series are based in the Christian tradition, but are planned to enable children and staff from any religious background or none to be able to participate.
Material is included from religions other than Christianity: the guidance circulars on Collective Worship for England and Wales have stated that, 'provided an act of worship reflects the traditions of Christian belief, it need not contain only Christian material'.
Schools can feel confident that, whatever the belief composition of their community, Something to Think About and Together do not assume that listeners will have developed committed personal religious commitment. For example, the prayers and reflections, which are addressed to God, are written and introduced in ways which enable those with no faith background to identify with the content. The presenter might, for example, say, 'Let's be still for a while - think about the words - make them your own prayer if you'd like to.'
Similarly, most of the songs, from the BBC's Come and Praise books, although drawn from the Christian tradition, have inclusive content.
A visual focus:
Although radio/audio is a popular medium for use in Collective Worship because of the reflective responses it can create, some children find it hard to focus on the disembodied voice from the loudspeaker. To enhance their concentration, it often helps to have a focus object or image displayed at the front of the group on a table or OHP. The teacher's notes provide suggestions for this.
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