Spirituality

The inner child

Spiritual Development involves providing children with the opportunity to become deep thinkers, appreciating the non-materialistic aspects of human nature including awe and wonder as well as a nurturing a genuine heartfelt willingness to connect with self, others, nature and perhaps something bigger.

This can be achieved through the curriculum, between lessons and specific activities.  Opportunities for our younger learners include recognising their own feelings, knowing what inspires them, noticing small details not easily seen in paintings, photographs, pictures and artefacts, experiencing and valuing the importance of silence and stillness observing carefully a flickering candle or clouds slowly changing shape in the sky. 

Spirituality

Spiritual development is not a separate standalone issue for church schools. It is intrinsic  in everything that we do and everywhere within the school. Spirituality enables our children to be happy, flourish, succeed and live life to its fullest. It enables humankind to be fascinated, creative, reflective and consider the bigger questions in life that make us curious and grow inside. 

Spirituality encourages the development of the whole person; mentally, emotionally, and morally. It fosters a sense of interconnectedness and purpose, promoting children's overall well-being. It also addresses existential questions about purpose and meaning in life and provides space for children to explore these questions contributing to their sense of fulfilment and direction, and connection with something beyond themselves. For those with faith, this can mean a connection and relationship with God.

Embracing a distinctively Christian identity involves embodying the teachings of Jesus, honoring the inherent value and uniqueness of every person, and fostering a community where all can live well and support one another in their spiritual journey. 

Awe and wonder of nature

We have recognised the importance of creating an enriching, diverse and stimulating environment to promote spiritual development. This is where children learn outside and appreciate the awe, wonder and beauty of nature. For example, our younger learners in a circle around a fire pit singing songs and watching a fire start from a spark and toasting bananas wrapped in foil.

We have developed an allotment area for children to get close to nature and appreciate where our food comes from. Nature is an important aspect of our spiritual development programme because it enables children to get in tune with the essence of life and growth. 

Here, our children regularly atend to our allotment.

Understanding self

As children develop, we encourage them to understand how emotions are triggered including shades of emotion, mental health and well-being, the importance of valuing non-material dimensions such as an appreciation of listening to music, artwork, silence, meditative thought and nature.  Spiritual moments happen naturally and cannot be forced. 

Opportunities arise for our adults to seize upon to help our community become spiritually aware by nurturing self-awareness, curiosity, connection, empathy, reflection, optimism, a willingness to challenge injustice and all that constrains the human spirit through courageous advocacy.

Philosophical thinking

Children also engage in philosophical thought and debate, how to express innermost thoughts and feelings through symbolism using different media including art, music, dance, literature and crafts.

Teachers skilfully support the children in their thinking, reasoning and questioning, as well as the way the children speak and listen to each other in the dialogue. After the enquiry, the children and teacher reflect on the quality of the thinking.

Philosophy for Children is intended to be a regular activity so children can develop their skills and understanding over time. The role of the teacher is crucial to ensuring quality dialogue and progress, as well as integration with the curriculum.

Collective Worship

Spirituality in the context of collective worship can mean creating a supportive environment that encourages personal growth, moral development, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

It may involve exploring questions of meaning, purpose, and interconnectedness, as well as fostering a sense of awe, wonder, and gratitude for life and the world around us. It can nourish those of faith, encourage those of other faiths and challenge those who have no faith. 

Collective Worship aims to provide a time and space for reflection, contemplation, and sometimes spiritual development within a school community. This might include incorporating stories, music, art, meditation, prayer, silence and reflection activities that resonate with children's lived experiences and cultural perspectives. Above all Collective Worship can provide children with a holy moment and safe space to connect with something greater.