Spirituality

What is Spirituality?

Spirituality is something which is very personal and is therefore very difficult to put into words because it is based on personal experience. Spirituality can change and develop throughout a person’s lifetime, depending upon their experiences, interactions and changes they encounter. Spirituality is not the same as having a religion or faith, a person does not need to be religious to be spiritual.

As a school, we have defined spirituality as:

“Spirituality is something within us all. It is about our own values, beliefs, emotions and feelings. Spirituality is not something we can see: it is something we feel. It is about our daily experiences, encounters and interactions in the world around us and taking time to reflect upon these”.

Spirituality in school

Children’s spiritual development is fostered throughout all aspects of school life. It is about discussing ‘Big Questions’ and allowing children to share their ideas, thoughts and feelings towards them. It is about developing relationships and equipping children with the skills for life.

All members of the school community have a role in nurturing children’s spiritual development.

School Staff can do this through:

• Establishing and maintaining a partnership between pupils, parents and staff; recognising and respecting the faith background of the children and their families;
• Having a positive attitude to the value of spiritual education.
• Taking part in, and supporting, collective acts of worship;
• Being good role models in their conduct towards other members of the community;
• Promoting an attitude of respect for other people and for others’ views;
• Recognising and being constantly aware of the needs and backgrounds of each individual pupil;
• Being willing to develop their own knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith and the faiths of others;

 Pupils can do this through:

• Taking an active part in acts of collective worship;
• Participating in activities which promote the skills allowing them to engage in, reflect upon and have consideration of different values and beliefs;
• Conducting themselves towards others considerately, in line with the code of conduct;
• Respecting the views and beliefs of others.

 Parents can help through:

• Adopting a positive attitude to the value of spiritual education;
• Supporting the school’s Christian ethos and acts of community worship such as assemblies and church services;
• Respecting the views and beliefs of others

 Our School Prayer

Give me strength to be kind

And to respect everyone and everything

Remind me always to use my manners

And give me courage to make the right choices

Bless our whole school family

And our wider family across the world

Thank you for being with us

And helping us in all that we do

Amen