Skip to content ↓

Spirituality

“I have come that they may have life. Life in all its fullness.” John 10:10 

Our Vision states that we wish to realise the God-given potential in everyone. An essential part of this is to support all in their spiritual development and through this to flourish. 

Spiritus means breath.

Spirituality is about being alive.

SPIRITUALITY IS SOMETHING TO TREASURE NOT MEASURE

To visualise Spirituality, we use the analogy of a ring doughnut, a doughnut with a hole.  

We are similar to a ring doughnut made of parts that we can see but would not be who we are without the ‘holey’ centre. The spiritual centre - what we feel, think and believe. 

 

To explain spirituality, we use the further analogy of WINDOW, MIRROR, DOOR. 

Window- to look out on the world. 

“I wonder if you have noticed?” 

Children notice more about themselves, others and the world around them. The whole curriculum and school life give opportunities to sensitively see the ‘wows’ and ‘ows’ of the world.  

Some examples in school:

  • Collective Worship lead be staff, clergy, children and visitors

  • School field, garden, Sanctuary and woodland

  • Forest School 

  • Charity Week 

  • Try Something New Month

  • After school clubs 

  • Projects with Newington History Group 

  • Remembrance Service 

  • World of Work Day 

  • Vision Day 

  • Safety week 

  • Visiting theatres and other exciting venues

Mirror- to reflect alone and together. 

“I wonder how you feel?” 

Children are given time to reflect on their experiences, feelings, values and beliefs. These may be planned or unexpected. Children may comment, listen, discuss and question. 

Some examples in school:

  • Collective Worship- reflection time 

  • Reflection journals 

  • Star of the week  

  • Classroom Reflection Areas 

  • Come and See Books 

  • Charity Week

Door- an opening to a purposeful response. 

“I wonder what we could do?” 

Children may respond in a creative way with a thoughtful and purposeful response. This may be a change in attitude or social action. 

Some examples in school:

  • Agreeing class rules 

  • Writing a prayer

  • Considering own behaviour and responses in relation to school vision and values. 

  • Caring for school outdoor environment 

  • Fulfilling role as Ambassador 

  • Buddy system 

  • Contributing to classroom reflection area 

  • Selecting charity and fundraising event for Charity Week 

  • Exploring personal heritage 

  • Remembrance Service and afternoon tea 

  • Courageous Advocacy

Impact

Spiritually developed children are aware of the importance of others and take an interest in and delight in the world around them, including what might be wrong with the world. They consider their uniqueness learning they are valued, important and loved. They understand how to process negative emotions and choose forgiveness to restore relationships. Reflection and quietness may lead to thoughtful and creative actions.  They have confidence and pride in who they are, open to what lies beyond.