Spirituality statement

We believe that spirituality concerns a person’s relationship with themselves, with others, with God, and with nature and the environment. These four elements 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 and each other.

We feel that spiritually developed children and adults love and accept themselves and enjoy good relationships with each other. They take an interest and delight in the world around them; they are open to what lies beyond the material (this may manifest itself in faith/belief in God). They are able to express and understand feelings, they have a strong moral sense and a love of what is good. They are able to enjoy quiet and stillness, they possess an active imagination, and show joy in creativity and discovering new skills.

Spiritual development can be seen through our actions and words; in the way we treat others, ourselves and our world and also in the ways we nourish our soul, by interacting with our understanding of a being that is greater than us and beyond our comprehension. To develop spirituality requires time and attention so that it can develop, grow and flourish like a beautiful flower; our Christian values provide the strong root base so that all of our children can grow and meet their full potential We encourage all members of our school community to learn from or about others, to reflect and respond to the people and events in the world around them so that all can flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. 

Spiritual development is not dependent on religious belief but it does relate to the fundamental moral issues and dilemmas we all face and how we use Christian values to underpin/root our responses and how we develop our awareness of ourselves as being spiritual. We cannot see or feel spirituality, but it can be seen in our words and actions; it is about developing a sense of awe, being able to ask the questions that challenge in a safe place, being able to make mistakes knowing that forgiveness is a key Christian value and it is about being prepared to stand up for what we know to be right. 

This year we have started using Roots and Fruits as a basis for our collective worship and prayer stations.

Windows: giving opportunities to take part in new experiences, to learn about the world and its inhabitants and to learn about all different aspects of life- to include things that wow us and also things that challenge us and make us question what we learn.

Mirrors: giving opportunities to reflect on what we have discussed, discovered or experienced. A chance to ponder life’s ‘big’ questions and try to make sense of these questions and to try to find possible answers.  To learn by exploring our insights and to see things from a variety of perspectives.

Doors: giving opportunities to respond to something, to do something in response, to put into action what we believe or value the most, to do something creative in response, to move on and keep growing inside.   

How do we nurture spirituality and give opportunities for this to develop?

• Through play.
• Through daily collective worship and prayer.
• By giving children opportunities to lead collective worship.
• Through visits and visitors.
• Through stories and music (from different cultures and faiths), dance, drama and art.
• Through our curriculum- e.g  Windrush, Holocaust, texts in English, science (care for animals), trade links in geography, climate change etc
• We provide opportunities for children to ask and try to answer the big questions in life.
• We give them space to explore and express their personal beliefs.
• We encourage them to challenge views and opinions.
•  We give them responsibility for their buddies and areas of the school- tuck shop, library, PE equipment.
• Our school council are active in choosing charities and things they want to change in school.
• By encouraging a sense of belonging.
• By encouraging children to learn about and from each other.
• By fostering a love of learning.
• In our daily interactions.
• By using a restorative approach when children fall out.
• Through clubs
• By providing quiet indoor and outdoor reflection spaces
•  Through our class based prayer stations