Trainee Teachers’ Learning about Collective Worship in Primary Schools

Abstract

This article gives an account of a qualitative research project which investigated acts of collective worship (hereafter CW) in primary schools through non-participant observations undertaken by second year trainee teachers during one of their placements. The data were gathered from a range of schools across the West Midlands. The findings illustrate structural elements which show a lack of uniformity in terms of the venue and time. Religious leaders, classroom assistants and staff at all levels of responsibility deliver assemblies and CW. The focus of the content is diverse and includes religious and ‘secular’ material and events. Trainees learnt about the organisation, purpose, content and the involvement of children. Based on the findings, it is proposed that observations of acts of CW should be considered as part of their professional learning during their training.