Spiritual Development

What is Godly Play?

Godly Play is a creative, imaginative way of exploring Bible stories. It was developed by Dr Jerome Berryman and is rooted in the Montessori tradition. A storyteller uses simple objects and symbols to tell a story, then invites the children to “wonder” about it through open questions such as “I wonder what part of this story you like best?” There are no right or wrong answers. Children are free to make meaning for themselves, whatever their own faith or none.

Godly Play helps our pupils:

  • grow spiritually, through stillness, reflection and wonder
  • understand Bible stories, symbols and Christian traditions more deeply
  • connect the stories with their own lives and experiences
  • listen to and respect one another’s ideas

All children take part in Godly Play [e.g. every half term / weekly in Reception and KS1]. Many of our staff are trained Godly Play practitioners. They trained at our partner school, Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Northwood.

Our Godly Play room

Our dedicated Godly Play room is on the top floor, near the hall. It’s a calm, special space: children sit on a soft carpet to hear the story, surrounded by the materials the storyteller uses. A second area allows them to respond creatively with art materials as they wonder about what they have heard.

We are always happy to welcome other Godly Play practitioners to see our room and watch a session in action.

Collective Worship

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Collective worship is at the heart of daily life at Saint Jérôme. Each day we come together as a community to pause, reflect, pray and celebrate. Through worship we explore our Christian vision and values, and every child, whatever their faith or none, has the chance to grow spiritually. Worship is invitational: everyone is welcome to take part in a way that is right for them.

Our weekly pattern

  • Monday: an introduction to the week’s theme, with a Bible story or teaching
  • Tuesday: exploring how the theme links to our school vision
  • Wednesday: worship through song
  • Thursday: worship led by a visiting speaker, such as clergy from our parish church, St John the Baptist, Greenhill
  • Friday: celebration worship, giving thanks for the week and celebrating achievements that show our values in action

Themes through the year
Our worship themes are planned around our Christian vision and values and follow the Church’s year, including Harvest, Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost. This helps pupils understand the Christian story and how it shapes the life of our school.

Pupils leading worship
Pupils play an active part in worship. Our Year 6 Spiritual Ambassadors help to plan and lead worship, and children across the school read, pray, perform and share their reflections. 

Worship at church
Through the year, the whole school gathers at St John the Baptist Church for special services, including Harvest, Christmas and our Year 6 leavers' service.

Prayer and reflection
Children have opportunities to pray and reflect throughout the day, They share a class prayer at the beginning of the day, before lunch and at the end of the day.  We also have class reflection areas for the children to use. Our Godly Play room also offers a special space for wonder and stillness.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from collective worship. If you are considering this, we are very happy for you to contact us to discuss it first.