What is Spirituality?
We believe that exploring Spirituality by educating the whole child and providing full life experiences supports our aspirational vision.
We define Spirituality as an ongoing, reflective journey. It is something that teaches us about questioning, understanding and relationships: relationships with ourselves, others, the world and beyond. Christian values are firmly rooted in our approaches.
Spirituality enables our children to be happy; flourish and succeed and live life in all its fullness.
Rationale
The image outlines how spirituality is developed across school and can be viewed as a PDF by opening the ‘Christian Distinctiveness’ document. Our children engage in many planned and unplanned development opportunities throughout their time in school.
Our vision outlines a desire for life to be lived “in all its fullness” (John 10:10). It is also said that: “For a human being, especially a child or young person, to have full quality of life, spirituality in all its aspects must be nurtured and affirmed” (John Bradford)
Our approach towards spirituality development looks to educate the whole child in fullness across a broad and balanced, local curriculum. Spiritual development is not specific to one curriculum area or activity.
The four elements of spiritual development
Spiritual development can be encouraged through a range of activities. These will include both planned and unplanned learning opportunities. Children are encouraged to ask questions and explore topics, discussing and responding to issues around them.
Whilst spiritual moments can be spontaneous, at our school, we plan to provide high quality, thought provoking and purposeful opportunities for spiritual development.
The four elements of spiritual development form the basis of our work with children in developing a strong sense of spirituality. We also believe that it is vital that all of the adults in school also see the need to develop their own spirituality for their own wellbeing and so that they can effectively support and help our children help each other.
Opportunities to develop and support spiritual development
Opportunities for spiritual development are both planned and unplanned for and exploited spontaneously. Children are encouraged to reflect on their own development through encounter, reflection and transformation.
Where will spiritual development opportunities occur?
Spiritual development occurs in many ways. We aim to ensure that children:
- Have regular times in the day for quiet and reflection. This might be listening to a story, lighting a candle in worship, engaging in reflection activities in spaces around school…
- Will be provided with many opportunities for creativity and imagination.
- Will be provided with purposeful and regular opportunities for prayer. This can take many forms, but should include being thankful and allow the children an opportunity to open themselves up to God.
- Will have regular opportunities to explore, express and share feelings.
- Will see positive relationships modelled around school. The importance of relationships will be reaffirmed to them. This will include clear exploration of how we talk to and relate to each other.
- Have opportunities to express awe and wonder, appreciate beauty in all its forms and appreciate connections and unity in the world.
- Will be encouraged to reflect on mistakes and say sorry, where appropriate.
- Will be encouraged to show perseverance, respect and trust and express these in practical ways.
- Have opportunities to explore ‘Big Questions’, particularly through RE learning.
