It is because religious assemblies have often been used negatively in the past to harangue pupils to obey school rules - as heads’ leader John Dunford says (“Worship lessons for NQTs”, TES, June 16) - that mainstream churches have called for improved training of teachers in carrying out the daily act of worship required by law.
Even the British Humanist Association, in a letter to the Education Secretary, has acknowledged that assemblies have a vital educational role, by bringing a school together in celebration of common values.
Far from being anachronistic, used effectively, they provide a unique opportunity to create a positive ethos to help the moral and spiritual development of young people.
(Rev) John Brown 3 Manor Way Middleton-on-Sea West Sussex
